Petr Cech, Henrique Hilário and Ross Turnbull are united in seeking more reward for goalkeepers and in their focus on building on a Double-winning season

Petr Cech is on his high horse and he is urging it into a gallop. “It is the most stupid rule I have seen in my life,” the Chelsea goalkeeper says. “If somebody has a brain, they have to change it, it’s as simple as that. For me, it is ridiculous.”

The subject under discussion is the Premier League regulations on who can receive a title winner’s medal. The League stipulate that the prize will be awarded only if a player has made 10 appearances over the course of the season. It is, invariably, the champions’ back-up goalkeepers who feel short‑changed.

“Have a look at every club in the world,” Cech continues, “and try to find a second-choice goalkeeper playing more than 10 league games. You’re not going to find it. If you are the young sub, you can come on 10 times for 30 seconds and you get the medal but the goalkeeper plays one game and saves the game, wins the three points and he doesn’t get the medal. I think this is not

• Germany captain says opponent tried to hurt him
• Midfielder remains hopeful of making World Cup

The Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack has accused Portsmouth’s Kevin-Prince Boateng of trying to hurt him in a tackle which has left Germany’s captain uncertain of his fitness for the World Cup this summer.

Ballack had to leave the field in Chelsea’s 1-0 FA Cup final victory just before half-time, following a reckless challenge from Boateng. The Portsmouth player was shown a yellow card by the referee, Chris Foy.

“I am more worried about my injury now,” said Ballack, who left Wembley with his right foot in a protective boot. “I have seen it on TV and to say it was not on purpose means you have to be a friend of Boateng.

“Boateng was lucky to get away with a yellow but it is football and if the referee controls the game and decides it is no red card you have to accept it.

“I can walk on it, not quite comfortable but I can walk, which is not the worst thing. I don’t think there is a break. We will have to wait until tomorrow to have a scan, then we’ll know more. Hopefully it won’t stop me playing in the World Cup.

“I couldn’t carry on but I hope it’s not too bad. Injuries are not good but there is a little time to go yet until the World Cup.”

Ballack’s contract expires in the summer and Chelsea seem reluctant to offer him a two-year deal. “I don’t know what will happen,” he said.

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