Ghana star Osman Bukari has claimed he did not mean to disrespect Cristiano Ronaldo when he copied his celebration after scoring against Portugal on Thursday, adding that he was overcome with emotion after notching his side's second goal of the game.
Former Manchester United forward Ronaldo performed his iconic celebration as he gave Portugal the lead from the spot. In doing so, he became the first player to score at five World Cups.
Andre Ayew would equalise less than 10 minutes later before Joao Felix and Rafael Leao's strikes saw Portugal hit the front again. With the game seemingly won, Ronaldo was substituted in the 88th minute.
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However, he had to watch from the bench as Bukari nodded the ball home to set up a tense finale. As the Red Star Belgrade man wheeled away in celebration, he performed Ronaldo's famous 'Siu' celebration in front of the Ghana fans as the camera switched to Ronaldo who was visibly furious as his side threatened to throw away their lead.
The goal would end up being a consolation despite a late scare which saw Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa nearly caught out. Post-match, Ronaldo supporters claimed that the winger had been 'disrespectful' performing the celebration but Bukari has since hit back at his critics.
Taking to Twitter, he posted: "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." Ronaldo left United on Tuesday with immediate effect following his interview with Piers Morgan in which he criticised the club, Erik ten Hag, the Glazers and former teammates Gary Neville and Wayne Rooney.
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