TheSolidSurfer.com would like to present our new sports hero: Ghanian soccer player John Paintsil. After scoring two goals in a key World Cup win over the Czech Republic, Pantsil, who plays professionally in Israel, waved an Israeli flag to the cheering crowd. (Photo credit: AP)
Naturally, Paintsil's gesture has thrilled many Israelis, many of whom warmly celebrated Ghana's victory. Just as unsuprisingly, though, a number of Arab countries have erupted in fury, and as usual, the conspiracy theory allegations are already on the table. (And yes, you read that correctly - Egyptian newspapers think Paintsil is a Mossad agent. What next - an editorial claiming he's the Mayor of Tel Aviv in disguise?)
So why did Paintsil do it? In his own words, because he is a religious man who holds a special place in his heart for Israel. Also, as a foreign resident, he greatly enjoys living there, and wanted to show some appreciation for his many Israeli fans.
Sadly, Ghana's Football Association then succumbed to political correctness and apologized to those "offended" by the flag-wave. But Paintsil said he didn't care about political implications; he only wanted to support Israel and its people. And plus, he continued, many Ghanians agreed with him: "Everyone was very proud of me for bringing a little happiness to Israel."
Count me in among that crowd. That's why Mr. Paintsil is TheSolidSurfer.com's first official Sports Hero of the Day.
Love it, Surfer! This guy is probably the most unpopular man in the world right now, and deserves tremendous credit from us for doing this noble gesture. Go Ghana!!!
Posted by: Madzionist | June 21, 2006 at 11:30 AM
I saw the play live! As I was watching I couldn't believe it...did a player from Ghana just pull an Israeli flag out? Glad to hear the explanation behind it...however I will still be cheering against Ghana tomorrow morning when they face the US.
Posted by: Mini Me | June 21, 2006 at 03:04 PM
Hmm, this brings up an interestingly tough dilemma. I doubt I'll actually watch the game, but if I have to choose, I'll root for the USA in it as well. The flag-waving certainly boosted my affinity for Ghana, but really, it was only one guy who did it, and so that's the person whom I so greatly respect. So, while I'd cheer for Ghana against any other nation still in the tourney (Israel is out, by the way, for anyone who doesn't know), and I definitely want to cheer for Paintsil individually, I'll have to place my fandom with the hometown squad in this particular contest. Go USA!
Posted by: Solid Surfer | June 21, 2006 at 11:52 PM
Well, Ghana won...I thought the US would play better than they did.
Posted by: Solid Surfer | June 22, 2006 at 11:24 AM
A very disappointing showing for the US in this world cup...and now we must wait four more years. Well now that the US is out, Ghana will be my new team, for the same reasons as you, Solid Surfer. However, unfortunately they will most likely play Brazil in the next round, the favorite to win the whole thing. Let's Go Ghana!
Posted by: Mini Me | June 22, 2006 at 02:58 PM
The incident must make some living in the middle east why anyone would do this...love for Israel is a reason they can't fathom.
Posted by: Verdant | June 22, 2006 at 11:59 PM