Football: Joachim Low apologises for sniffing hands after putting them down trousers

Germany coach Joachim Low smells his hands after putting them down his trousers on the sideline of Germany's match against Ukraine. Photo / YouTube

Germany manager Joachim Low has issued an apology for the embarrassing moment which saw him sniff his hands after putting them down his trousers live on television.

Midway through the match at Stade Pierre Mauroy, with his team impressing on the pitch, Low was caught on camera readjusting himself, before moving a hand around the back and subtly sniffing his fingers.

Much was made of the ballsy move, and the Germany manager has now come out to say sorry for the incident.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of his side's match against Poland on Thursday night, he said: 'I'm sorry for it. When you're full of adrenalin, things happen that you don't perceive.

'I saw the images the next day. Of course you do something unconscious now and then. I'm trying to behave differently from now on.'

Managers at this summer's European Championship will perhaps be reluctant to shake Low's hand after the unsavoury incident in Lille, but Bastian Schweinsteiger didn't quite get away with it.

After his stoppage-time goal, the Manchester United midfielder sprinted straight over to Low, who shook hands with his player.

Germany beat Ukraine 2-0 in their opening match of Euro 2016, and sit pretty at the top of Group C ahead of Poland.

In the other match of the group, Poland overcame Michael O'Neill's Northern Ireland by a single goal.

Germany and Poland clash at the Stade de France on Thursday, where Low will surely be more aware of his behaviour on the touchline.