Hackers laughed off by Kuranyi

Kevin Kuranyi, the Schalke striker, is treating a message posted by hackers on the club's website saying he had been released as little more than a joke. A false report appeared on the website on Tuesday evening claiming club chiefs had decided to release Kuranyi from his contract with the Bundesliga club. Schalke quickly moved to rubbish the report, which has been attributed to internet hackers, and the player himself is not taking it too seriously. "You have to take it almost with humour," he told the club's website. "Because, after all, is was not the first time that my name has been used in public for a campaign. In the end, the whole thing is over and done with for me. I have certainly not given it any further thought, because I feel I have the faith of those in charge."

Kuranyi has been criticised by fans for his performances and was last year dropped for the Germany team after walking out of a match at half-time when he was not named in the matchday squad. * With agencies