The Ghanaian Football Association has apologised after defender John Pantsil waved an Israeli flag to celebrate the World Cup win over the Czech Republic. Posted on 06/19/2006 6:21:08 PM PDT by Jedi Master Pikachu
The Ghanaian Football Association has apologised after defender John Pantsil waved an Israeli flag to celebrate the World Cup win over the Czech Republic.
Spokesman Randy Abbey said the Ghanaian FA was not taking sides in the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians.
Pantsil plays in Israel for Hapoel Tel Aviv wanted to thank Israeli fans who travelled to support him, Abbey said
"He's unaware of international politics. We apologise to anybody who was offended," said Abbey.
"We promise that it will never happen again.
"He did not act out of malice for the Arab people or in support of Israel. He was naive... we don't need to punish him."
Pantsil celebrated the two Ghana goals on Saturday by taking out a small Israeli flag from his sock and waving it above his head.
Abbey said neither the Ghanaian FA nor Ghana as a country had a strong political position on the subject and said they were just in Germany for the World Cup.
"We are not in support or against Israel or the Arab nations. We are here to do football, we are not here to do politics."
A spokesman for Fifa had said they had no problem with the gesture.
Israel's Sports Minister Ofir Pines-Paz had been quoted as praising Paintsil for his actions and saying Ghana had gained many Israeli fans.
"We have an Israeli at the World Cup. Paintsil's gesture has warmed our hearts and many Israelis have now become supporters of Ghana," Paz said.
SEE ALSO Czech Republic 0-2 Ghana 17 Jun 06 | World Cup 2006 Ghana team guide 22 May 06 | Ghana World Cup debutants 20 May 06 | World Cup 2006 Pick your Ghana XI 31 May 06 | Squad selectors World Cup schedule 25 May 06 | Schedule Have your say on the World Cup 28 Apr 06 | Football BBC World Cup coverage 27 Apr 06 | BBC coverage
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Offended? WTF?
ping.
There should be no need to apologize then.
a very similar article was already posted.
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