Osman Bukari has released a statement denying claims he disrespected Cristiano Ronaldo in Ghana’s 3-2 defeat against Portugal on Thursday.
Ronaldo had taken the lead for the Europeans before Andre Ayew equalised. Joao Felix made it 2-1 followed by Rafael Leo’s strike.
Bukari, a second-half substitute, reduced the deficit in the 89th minute and celebrated his first World Cup goal by doing the “Siu” jump which is the trademark celebration of Ronaldo.
The 37-year-old did it when he scored from the penalty spot but some fans were displeased with Bukari, accusing him of not showing respect to Ronaldo who is considered as one of the greats of the game.
Bukari – who plies his trade with Red Star Belgrade in Serbia – gave his explanation for the celebration in a social media post.
“I have noticed my celebration today has generated comments claiming I was disrespectful towards Ronaldo,” Bukari said on Twitter.
“This is incorrect. I was overcome by the emotion of the moment of scoring for my country on my World Cup debut leading to my celebration.
“My upbringing doesn’t permit me to be disrespectful to elders let alone one of my idols. Thanks for your support and we focus on our next game!”
to be disrespectful to elders let alone one of my idols.
Thanks for your support and we focus on our next game!🇬🇭🇬🇭
— Osman Bukari (@OsmanBukari9) November 24, 2022
Ghana’s two goals against Portugal made them the first African team to find the back of the net in Qatar.
They will hope to do that again and possibly bag all three points when they take on South Korea next.
