Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz criticised Djed Spence’s refusal to shake hands with Thomas Partey before the World Cup clash with England last night and said the Black Stars were trying to keep the “front lines sacred”.
Tottenham full-back Spence failed to acknowledge the former Arsenal midfielder in the traditional pre-match formalities ahead of a dour goalless draw that saw both teams move on to four points from two games in Group L.
Partey was able to play last night after missing Ghana’s first game as he was denied a visa to enter Canada. The 33-year-old is scheduled to go on trial in London next year charged with seven counts of rape and one of sexual assault. He denies any wrongdoing.
It had been speculated that more England players would snub Partey but, in the end, just Spence rejected his handshake.
Queiroz said: “We refuse to be part of people that try to bring dust and politics inside the game. We fight to keep the front lines sacred.
“It’s difficult sometimes but it happens, so we have to congratulate everybody who was in the game for leaving politics and everything that is dirty outside the four lines.”
Controversy as VAR overlooks Konsa’s challenge on Ghana’s Adu
Ghana were delighted with a draw in Boston after withstanding a late England barrage to secure a share of the spoils.
It might have been even better for Queiroz’s side after the referee and VAR opted not to act when it appeared Ezri Konsa had pulled down Prince Adu in the area late on.
The former Portugal boss said: ”A clear penalty, red card. You have any doubts about that? You guys that saw the game, have any doubts about that? Or it’s only me that was at the game?
“I’m not sure if VAR is still working in the World Cup. I have some doubts about that because another penalty that they need to give to Ghana, a clear penalty against England, [and] VAR went for a coffee. It’s natural. I would also like to take [a break for] coffees once in a while.
“If the VAR hadn’t gone to have a coffee, he would have given the penalty and, maybe, we would have won.”
Ghana were better than England in terms of ‘fighting spirit and determination’
Queiroz praised his players for their determination and organisation with goalkeeper Benjamin Asare not called into any meaningful action until the latter stages.
“That was a tough game, no doubt. Very competitive, intense,” Queiroz said. “The first 45 minutes was England playing. They expressed their football. We put in place our strategic plan. It was to block them and frustrate them since the first minute until the end of the first half, which we did.
“This showed that a football game is not only about tactics and techniques. It’s about bravery, courage, determination, intelligence. First half was about that. They’ve been better than us in terms of football. We’ve been better than them in terms of fighting spirit and determination.”
