Greece

By Karolos Grohmann

SALZBURG, June 17 (Reuters) - Greece coach Otto Rehhagel on Tuesday launched a fierce attack on referees at the Euro 2008 tournament, accusing them of being too strict with coaches while failing to safeguard the welfare of the players.

"The referees should take greater care protecting the players and stop sending coaches to the stands," he said.

"In the match against Russia, our player (Fanis) Gekas was badly injured and the referee did not even stop the match," Rehhagel said referring to Saturday's game. "Gekas had to be operated on that night in hospital."

"But when you tell the referee something, then he will most likely send you to the stands," he said in reference to the Germany and Austria coaches who were banished from the touchline after a dispute with the fourth official on Monday.

Striker Gekas sustained a fractured cheekbone in the 1-0 defeat and will not play in Greece's final Group D match against Spain on Wednesday. He will be out for six weeks.

Surprise Euro 2004 winners Greece have already been eliminated after losing both their matches so far against Russia and Sweden, who beat them 2-0 in the opener.

Never one to mince his words, the German said the 'goal' by striker Angelos Haristeas after a late breakaway against Russia that was ruled offside should have counted.

"I didn't say it then but I can say it now, the goal was good," Rehhagel said.

"How will this go on? Should we be just grateful for being allowed into the stadium? Maybe they should put us coaches in those glass boxes high up in the stands," he said.

Greece will field several reserve players against already qualified Spain, who may also reshuffle their lineup.

Greece have at least three starters out injured.

"We must change the team because of the injuries, but my young players who believe they belong in the first team must go out tomorrow and prove it," Rehhagel said.