By Dylan Bettencourt
With tensions already high for the Ghana Uruguay clash on Friday night, Luis Suarez said he will not apologise for the infamous incident that took place at the 2010 World Cup.
The two sides will meet for the first time since that famous night at the FNB Stadium in Soweto.
Ghana played Uruguay for a spot in the semi-final at the 2010 World Cup and with the scores locked at 1-1, Ghana had the perfect chance to get the lead.
Dominic Adiyiah’s header was destined for the back of the net when Suarez swotted the ball away with his hands.
The striker was handed his marching orders and Ghana were awarded a penalty, which Asamoah Gyan missed.
The game went to a penalty shoot-out where the South Americans emerged as winners.
Ahead of the fixture Suarez was asked about Ghanian fans referring to him as “El Diablo” (the devil) as well as requesting he apologise for the incident.
“The first time, I didn’t apologise about that [incident],” Suarez said in the pre-match press conference.
“I did the handball but it was the Ghana player [Gyan] who missed the penalty, not me. Maybe I would apologise if I made a tackle and injured a player, but [not] in this situation.”
Suarez added that he received his punishment and could not control if the consequent penalty would be scored.
“I took a red card, the referee gave a penalty, but it is not my fault [Ghana were knocked out] because I didn’t miss the penalty. The [Ghana] player did. It’s not the same. It is not my responsibility to shoot the penalty,” the 35-year-old said.
Suarez added that the current group of Ghana players will have gotten over the incident as they were only youngsters when it occurred.
Ghana head coach Otto Addo somewhat agreed, claiming his side will look for blessings, rather than revenge.
A draw would be enough for Ghana if Portugal manage to beat South Korea on Friday night. Group H coming to an end with kickoffs set for 5pm.
Compiled by Dylan Bettencourt
Pictured above: Luis Suarez
Image source: @EveningStandard
