Ghana star Essien defends decision not to warm-up ahead of 2014 World Cup match against Portugal

Published on: 27 October 2014
Ghana star Essien defends decision not to warm-up ahead of 2014 World Cup match against Portugal
Michael Essien

Italy-based midfielder Michael Essien has justified his decision of refusing to warm-up before Ghana’s final Group E match against Portugal at the 2014 World Cup insisting substitutes are not required to before matches.

The AC Milan player was speaking on the issue for the first time since the Black Stars disastrous outing at the tournament in Brazil in June.

It was speculated that the AC Milan ace decided to boycott the pre-match requisite in support of his close pals Sulley Muntari and Kevin-Prince Boateng who were thrown out from camp on that day for indiscipline.

The Ghana FA said they were considering a report from the then coach of the side Kwesi Appiah over the incident after it was confirmed Essien refused to warm-up with the other substitutes under assistant coach Maxwell Konadu.

Essien gave an in camera evidence at the World Cup Commission of Inquiry on Monday afternoon from his base in Italy and the former Chelsea man believes his action was nothing disrespectful to the Ghana bench.

Spokesperson of the Commission, Thomas Boakye Agyemang said: “He (Essien) denied accusation of not warming up before the Portugal game saying as far as he is concerned; substitutes need not warm up always before matches.They warm up when changes are about to be made.”

Former Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah said he had recommended punishment for the midfield icon following his 'unprofessional' behaviour.

Essien is the first high-profile World Cup player to testify to the Commission and on Tuesday Fatau Dauda, Rashid Sumaila and Stephen Adams will have their turn.

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