It’s only natural: Podolski defends Germany coach Loew’s ‘trousers-gate’

Germany forward Lukas Podolski has defended head coach Joachim Loew’s indiscreet scratch of his genitals, caught live by television cameras and seized on by social media, during the world champions’ opening Euro 2016 match.

Germany forward Lukas Podolski has defended head coach Joachim Loew’s indiscreet scratch of his genitals, caught live by television cameras and seized on by social media, during the world champions’ opening Euro 2016 match.

Germany's midfielder Lukas Podolski holds a press conference in Evian during the Euro 2016 football tournament. (AFP Photo)

The 54-year-old Loew has been widely ridiculed on social media by Germany fans for absent-mindedly slipping his hands into the front of his trousers on the sidelines during Germany’s 2-0 win over Ukraine on Sunday.

The German media has subtly dubbed the unfortunate incident in Lille ‘Trousers-gate’.

But Podolski left reporters roaring with laughter at Tuesday’s press conference by saying the German boss had just been doing what comes naturally.

“I believe 80% of you (journalists) and me as well, sometimes scratch your nuts from time to time,” said the Galatasaray forward in Evian with a grin.

Germany coach Joachim Loew stands on the sidelines during the Euro 2016 Group C football match between Germany and Ukraine. (AP Photo)

The Lille incident is just the latest sideline indiscretion from Loew, who has in the past been caught by cameras picking his nose during Germany games.