Ghana apologises to Arab League over Israeli flag

CAIRO, June 21 (Reuters) Ghana apologised to the Arab League today for one of its football players waving an Israeli flag after his country's 2-0 World Cup win against the Czech Republic, the Arab League secretary-general said.

Defender John Paintsil plays for Israel's Hapoel Tel Aviv, and waved a small Israeli flag after Ghana's win in Saturday's match to acknowledge Israeli fans in Germany.

Amr Moussa said the league had received an official apology from the Ghanaian government expressing regret at the incident.

The memo said Paintsil's action had no official support and Ghana hoped the incident would not affect Ghana's relations with friendly countries.

The Ghanaian Football Association apologised on Monday for Paintsil's conduct and said the Ghanaian FA was not trying to take sides in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

Israeli Sports Minister Ofir Pines-Paz praised Paintsil for his actions and said Ghana had gained many Israeli fans.

REUTERS DH PC2043