I was amongst many sharing a sense of bewilderment at why Ghana's John Pantsil produced an Israel flag after his team's goal and victory against the Czech Republic.
The Ghanaian Football Federation have issued an apology:
"It was naive, he was not aware of the consequences of his actions," Randy Abbey said. "We apologise to everyone who felt offended by this."
AlJazeera report that:
During the match itself the live commentator on the Arab satellite channel ART broadcasting all World Cup matches in the region abruptly cut short his trademark "goooaaaaaaal!" when Pantsil brought out the flag.
"What are you doing, man?" the bewildered commentator said.
It's been reported that Pantsil stored the flag in his socks. Looked to me like he actually pulled it out his pants.
Why should they apologise? The player plays in Israel, after all. Perhaps that had something to do with it, eh?
Posted by: Ted | 21 June 2006 at 10:21 AM
First and foremost he should apologize to his country folk, it is a disgrace to them to hold up another country's flag upon his victory.
Posted by: cdnmuslim | 22 June 2006 at 05:38 AM
Didier Drogba waved an Ivory Coast flag when Chelsea won the Premiership. Should Drogba apologise to Chelsea fans? Should he apologise to countries who may have a grievance with the Ivory Coast? Help me out here, bud.
Posted by: Ted | 22 June 2006 at 09:49 AM
To be fair with the analogy, it would be like Drogba waving a West Brom scarf at Stamford Bridge.
Posted by: Osama | 22 June 2006 at 01:17 PM
Touche. The analogy was a poor one. But I do feel that the complainants were not motivated by an objection to any flag other than the Ghanian one being used in celebration, as cdnmuslim was suggesting.
Posted by: Ted | 22 June 2006 at 01:44 PM
I suppose if it was any other flag it would just be plain strange. Imagine the puzzlement if David Beckham rushed over with a Spanish flag after England's goals the other night. Or worse, Owen Hargreaves with a German flag. I've no idea what the British tabloids would make of it. It's a hypothesis, but I think an apology would follow suit.
With Israel, you're right though, sensitivities are higher because of the country's decades long occupation of Palestine. There are many that call for a boycott of the state becuase of its record, and waving its flag about does, as the Ghanaian official said, display "naivity".
Posted by: Osama | 22 June 2006 at 02:22 PM
Another good analogy, Osama. I know when I'm beaten. :-) But in your analogy, Hargreaves and Beckham would apologise to English fans, wouldn't they? I don't get the impression that Pantsil or the Ghanaian FA are apologising to Ghana fans about it. I think the complainants are from outside Ghana - and outside Israel and Palestine. I know it's heightened sensitivities but the guy was hardly seeking to provoke. Seems like a lot of excitement over nothing.
Posted by: Ted | 22 June 2006 at 02:36 PM
it is disgraceful
Posted by: miji | 22 June 2006 at 03:59 PM