Prime News Ghana

Painstil finally explains holding up Israel flag at the 2006 World Cup

By Mutala Yakubu
john_painstil
Painstil pulled out an Israeli flag to celebrate Ghana's 2-0 win over Czech Republic in the 2006 World Cup
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Former Ghana International John Painstil has finally explained the reason he held up the Israeli flag in the 2006 World Cup in Germany that drew a lot of controversy.

Painstil who played as a right back for the Black Stars pulled out an Israeli flag to celebrate Ghana's victory over Czech Republic which drew a lot of criticism from fans as there was tension between Germany and Israel at that period.

The player has disclosed that the act was a way of showing appreciation to clubs he played in Israel.

"I played for two clubs in Israel,  Hapoel Tel Aviv and Maccabi Tel Aviv though they are rivals, when it came to the World Cup because I was part of the Ghanaian team, both clubs came together with the Ghanaian flag to lead me to the airport as I was leaving for the World Cup, "

He said to show appreciation, he also picked an Israeli flag with the hope that if things went well at the WorldCup, he will show it to thank the clubs for their support

Painstil added that, he was ignorant of the political tension between Germany and Israel at that time and apologized for his gesture.

The former Berekum Arsenal player is now working on attaining his coaching Licenses after a brief spell as assistant manager of South Africa side Kaizer Chiefs.