April 1, 2011

Germany national soccer captain Michael Ballack smiles during a news conference in the western German city of Leverkusen July 14, 2010. (REUTERS/Kirsten Neumann)

LEVERKUSEN, Germany -- Bayer Leverkusen and Germany midfielder Michael Ballack was fined Friday by the German football federation for talking to the crowd with a bullhorn and leading insulting chants after a recent game.

Ballack led Leverkusen's home fans during a song that insulted rivals Cologne. He later apologized, but was fined just over $10,000.

Still officially captain of the German national team, Ballack has not played for his country since before the 2010 World Cup because of various injuries.