Uruguay forward Luis Suarez has refused to apologise for his handball during the 2010 World Cup quarterfinal against Ghana.
In the dying embers of extra time, Suarez saved a header on the line with his hands to prevent a Ghana winner. The striker received a red card, and Ghana got a penalty. However, in heart-breaking fashion, Asamoah Gyan rattled the spot-kick off the bar.
The Black Stars then lost 4-2 on penalties as Uruguay went through to the semis.
Now, as the two nations prepare to face off tonight, the row over Suarez’s actions from over a decade ago has come to light once more. Whilst answering questions in a press conference, the former Liverpool striker gave his views on his infamous handball.
“I do not apologise,” said Suarez, via Sky Sports. “Because I did the handball, but the Ghana player missed the penalty. Not me.
“Maybe I would apologise if I did a bad tackle, and I injure the player and take a red card. Maybe then I would apologise. But, in this situation, I took a red card, and the referee says penalty… It is not my fault, because I didn’t miss the penalty.
“You see? The player who missed the penalty said that he would do the same in this situation. It is not my responsibility to shoot the penalty.”
Unsurprisingly, as he two-handedly helped eliminate their country from the World Cup, Ghanaians are not fans of Luis Suarez. In fact, they want nothing less than revenge at Thursday night’s game.
Ghana “want revenge” on Luis Suarez after 2010 handball
Speaking to The Athletic, former Ghana midfielder Ibrahim Ayew shared his thoughts on Luis Suarez’s actions. As a member of the Black Stars’ 2010 squad, what the Uruguayan did is personal to Ayew.
“The whole of Ghana hates him and the whole of Africa hates him,” confirmed Ibrahim Ayew. “Hate? Even now? Twelve years on? Oh yes. We hate him. And we want revenge.”
For Ghana, the best form of revenge would be a win in their group H showdown with Uruguay. Whoever wins will go through to the round of 16 – eliminating the other by default.
This would certainly be redemption for a whole country still hurting by one man’s actions. However, not everyone still involved with the Ghana team is so hell-bent on revenge. Andre Ayew – the last remaining 2010 veteran in Ghana’s Qatar squad – played down the personal side of the match.
Ghana captain dismisses talk of avenging 2010
“Everyone knows how we felt,” explained Ayew about the 2010 squad, via The Mirror. “Everyone felt bad. But, for me, I just want to get to the next stage at this World Cup.
“It’s not about revenge. Whether it was, or not, we’ll go in with the same determination and same desire to win because we want to reach the next stage.”
The former Swansea forward admitted that his country was not ready to let bygones be bygones, though.
“I don’t think Ghana has forgiven Luis Suarez. But for me, it’s football. He took a decision – there’s nothing to speak about.”
With all the narrative, and a place in the knockouts available, Ghana – Uruguay promises to be a cracker.
Featured image credit: Getty
