Karlsruhe defender Maik Franz, the self-proclaimed "most hated player in the Bundesliga", has defended his playing style in the wake of recent criticism.

Several weeks ago Stuttgart striker Mario Gomez earned a fine for insulting Franz in a live television interview after being given a rough ride in their Bundesliga clash.

Last weekend it was the turn of Eintracht Frankfurt's Ioannis Amanatidis to express his displeasure at the way Franz had handled him during his side's 1-0 win, claiming "such people ruin football."

However, Franz has no intention of altering his ways and he told the Eurosport website how "shoves and insults are part of the game."

"They can have all the tissues from me that they want when they start crying," he said.

"I push myself to the limits and there are a few clatters, but goals, points and a lot of money are at stake and nobody gives any gifts away.

"People can say I am crazy, but I don't care.

"As long as KSC are successful, I will not alter my game."

And Franz received support from a former bad-boy of German football with Stefan Effenberg writing in the Bild newspaper that "football is a contact sport".

"Maik should not alter one inch - he should keep playing as he is," he continued.

The 26-year-old has only been booked six times in 22 games, a low average for a central defender, and gives him even more reason not to change his ways.