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19.06.2006 International

GFA Apologizes for Paintsil's Act

19.06.2006 LISTEN
By Citi FM

The Ghana Football Association has given its position on news that John Painstil hoisted Israel"s flag after Ghana win over the Czech Republic.

The Israeli based defender was seen waving the flag of Israel after Ghana beat the Czech Republic 2 nil in Cologne.

He explained during an interview that it was to show solidarity for ´his numerous admirers in Israel.

But other Arab countries have taken the issue very seriously, with some saying that it has some political connotations to it.

Speaking to Citi FM on the issue, Communications Director, Randy Abbey made it clear that the Association finds the act very unfortunate.

He said the player was naive about the geo-political dimension of his actions and was just acknowledging the support of his fans.

"All the FA can say it was unfortunate that it happened.

"Obviously John was naive about the political implications of his act. "The FA will want to apologise to everybody who has been affected by the act.

The player has since rendered an unqualified apology to the GFA and to everybody affected by the act, according to Mr. Abbey.

"He met with us and apologised and we also want to say that we are here for football and not for politics.

"The fact that it was only him shows that it was not something that was agreed upon by the entire team, he stressed.

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