Boateng - It's gone too far

Portsmouth midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng says he has become an 'evil enemy' after his late challenge ruled Michael Ballack out of the World Cup.

The Ghana star committed the foul during Pompey's FA Cup final clash with Chelseaearlier this month - leaving Germany without their captain.

But while the 23-year-old insists he is more than sorry for his actions, he does not believe he deserves the heavy criticism he is receiving.

"What is happening has gone too far," he told Sport Bild magazine.

"Some people have managed to involve my family in this whole affair and we have been turned into an evil enemy.

"On the other hand, many are minimising and ignoring the slap around the face I got from Michael Ballack. Not intentional

"Even my public apology a week last Monday has been swept under the table. People have overstepped the mark."

Boateng personally apologised to Ballack both during and after the FA Cup final and he insists several of the Chelsea star's team-mates have now offered their support.

"I have had contact with two or three Chelsea players and they say that a foul like that can happen," he revealed.

"They say I should not let what is being reported about me get to me. It was not intentional.

"I don't want to be seen as a victim, but I would like criticism to be constructive."