HATE is a strong word – but that’s the sentiment felt in Ghana towards World Cup villain Luis Suarez.
The Uruguayan ace denied Ghana of a World Cup semi-final in South Africa 12 years ago.
Suarez, now 35, denied a certain goal late on with his hand, resulting in a red card and a penalty.
Asamoah Gyan missed the spot-kick and Uruguay went on to book their place in the semi-finals against Holland with a 4-2 win on penalties following a 1-1 draw in normal and extra-time.
And time has not been much of a healer for Gyan, who says Suarez is hated in Ghana for his blatant cheating.
The two sides meet again on Friday, but this time in the group stages, and Ghana have the chance to exact revenge on Suarez and Co by knocking them out of the competition.
Ghana occupy second, while Uruguay sit bottom of the group on one point.
Gyan said on Suarez: “Back home, everybody who watched the game, they dislike Suarez.
“He is a hero in Uruguay although people in Ghana see him as a cheat. People do hate him.”
Suarez has previously said his actions were “worth it”, as Uruguay progressed into the next round.
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The remorseless 513 career-goal striker said: “I took a risk in a situation… I have been blamed for anti-fair play.
“However, the Ghana player missing the penalty is not my fault.
“I didn’t kick anyone or anything like that.
“That’s why I celebrated like that, for having taken a risk for something that was worth it.
“I remember I celebrated it more than a goal.”
‘Strong dent in my career’
Suarez is right; the penalty miss by Gyan is not his fault.
And the shocking attempt will live with Gyan for the rest of his life, the Ghana ace said.
In LeGyanDary, his autobiography released this year, Gyan said: “The penalty miss will continue to be a strong dent in my career as far as every football-loving Ghanaian is concerned.
“I understand how much pain remains in the hearts of Ghanaians and Africans alike.
“I missed that penalty and I carry the guilt and pain of that miss.
“The trauma still remains as clear as daylight.
“Sometimes I wake up in the morning and remember events from that day and my heart loses its joy.
“I feel I let down myself and the country and it is a daily struggle to keep it out of mind.
“I wish God would take me back to that spot a second time so I could change time but those are just wishes that will never come to pass.”
