All Time Favorite Arab Reactions to “Flaggate”
June 20, 2006 | Aussie Dave | Comments
The Egyptians are still seething over “Flaggate” (yes, I just thought of that term now – ed.), providing some more grist for my mill and some chuckles this morning.
First up, we have the “WTF” reaction:
The live commentator on the Arab satellite channel broadcasting all World Cup matches in the region abruptly cut short his trademark “goooaaaaaaal” when Paintsil brought out the flag.“What are you doing, man?” the bewildered commentator said.
Next up, we have an oldie, but a goodie:
Some papers described Paintsil as a “Mossad agent”, others said “an Israeli had paid him to do it.”
Worst. Mossad. Agent. Ever. (Aren’t Mossad agent’s supposed to be a bit more discreet?)
And here’s one of my favorites:
“The real reason,” sports analyst Hassan el-Mestekawi wrote, stems from the fact that many Ghanaian players go through football training camps set up by an Israeli coach who “discovered the treasure of African talent, and abused the poverty of the continent’s children” with the ultimate goal of selling them off to European clubs.“The training program for these children starts every morning with a salute to the Israeli flag,” Mestekawi claimed.
Us evil Zionists. We can do no good, even when we are, err, doing good.
Note (for Wikipedia posters): The word “flaggate” was first coined here on this blog, despite its rapid adoption elsewhere. I am currently checking with my lawyers about the possibility of getting royalties. 
Filed Under: General
About the Author: An Australian immigrant to Israel, Aussie Dave has been blogging since early 2003.
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