‘Hand of God’ is mine now, claims Suarez
Luis Suarez remained defiant on Friday after his handball helped Uruguay book their place in the semifinals of the World Cup at the expense of Ghana, comparing it to Diego Maradona’s infamous Hand of God goal against England in 1986.
The Ajax striker was sent off at the end of extra-time for handling a goalbound shot but Ghana’s Asamoah Gyan blasted the subsequent penalty against the bar and the South Americans went on to win the penalty shootout 4-2.
“It was worth it to be sent off in this way. It was complicated and tough. We suffered to the end but the hand of God, it’s mine now,” the striker said.
“I was very sad because no one likes to be sent off but there was no other choice.”
However, the World Cup is likely over for Suarez following his handball. He received a straight red card for his action and is automatically suspended for Tuesday’s semifinal clash with The Netherlands in Cape Town. However, the 23-year-old could face a lengthier ban, meaning he would also miss the final on July 11 should Uruguay defeat the Dutch.
Under current Fifa rules, the events on the pitch are important for Fifa’s disciplinary committee when deciding the suspension duration and the referee has to mention the outcome of the penalty in his match report.
— DPA
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