Suarez doubles down on Ghana handball after being called "the devil himself"

Luis Suarez refused to apologise for his infamous 2010 handball against Ghana ahead of the two nations meeting again at a World Cup, despite being referred to as "the devil himself" in the African country.

The pair will go head-to-head on Friday with qualification for the last-16 on the line, with many in Ghana having refused to forgive the forward and hoping to dump him out of what is highly likely to be his last World Cup.

Suarez caused outrage when he handled a header from Dominic Adiyah on the goalline during extra-time of the 2010 quarter-final between the two nations.

Having then been sent off, the forward was seen celebrating as he headed down the tunnel when Asamoah Gyan struck his spot kick against the bar and over, with Uruguay going on to win on penalties and knock the last remaining African side out of the tournament.

Facing questions from the world's media at Thursday's pre-match press conference, it was put to Suarez that he is viewed as "the devil himself" by many in Ghana.

Suarez, who has always insisted he never did anything wrong in the incident, listened intently with his head down, before replying: "I don't apologise about that, I took the handball, but Ghana player missed the penalty.

"I'd apologise if i injured a player or took a red card for this, but I took a red card (for the handball). It wasn't my fault because I didn't miss the penalty.

"You see the player who missed the penalty, he said he would do the same."

Gyan has indeed admitted that in the past, although many in Ghana see Friday as the perfect chance to exact revenge.

Ghana would ensure a top two finish in Group H with a win on Friday, while a draw would be enough if South Korea were to fail to beat an already qualified Portugal in the group's other game.

Uruguay have to win to have any chance of qualification, and could need to win by more than one goal in order to pip South Korea on goal difference.

The incident has obviously been a hot topic amongst the Ghana players prior to the match, but forward Andre Ayew, the only remaining player in the squad from that game, insists the clash in Qatar is not about revenge.

"I'm the only one left in the squad from when that happened. Everyone knows how we felt. Everyone felt bad but, for me, I just want to get to the next stage at this World Cup," said this week.

"It's not about revenge. Whether it was, or not, we'll go with the same determination and same desire to win because we want to reach the next stage. I don't think Ghana has forgiven Luis Suarez. But for me, it's football. He took a decision. There's nothing to speak about."

Midfielder Thomas Partey added: "History is always there. Everyone was very sad at the time. It was very difficult. This is a new generation. We have another chance and we have to forget what happened. This is a new time."

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