Black Stars winger Osman Bukari says his celebration after scoring Ghana’s second goal in a 3-2 loss to Portugal was not meant as disrespect to Cristiano Ronaldo.
With the Black Stars trailing 3-1 at Stadium 974 in Doha, substitute Bukari pulled a goal back in the 83rd minute to set up a nervy finale.
Instead of going into the net to pick up the ball, the 23-year-old elected to do Ronaldo’s iconic celebration in front of his “idol”.
Bukari has also come under criticism on social media for doing the celebration while Ghana were behind in the match. The Red Star Belgrade winger has responded to those critics, saying “yy upbringing doesn’t permit me to be disrespectful to elders let alone one of my idols”
“I have noticed my celebration today has generated comments claiming I was disrespectful towards Ronaldo 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.”
