Christian Atsu died in the earthquake in Turkey
Mohamed Kodos, 22, tore his shirt and paid tribute to his friend Christian Atsu.
A gesture understood by referee Paul van Boekel.
– He said it’s bigger than football, says the Ghanaian.
It was last Saturday, footballer Christian Atsu was found dead in the midst of ethnic mobs in Turkey.
The 31-year-old from Ghana died in the earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria at the beginning of February.
Tried his fallen friend
The day before, Atsu had decided to have Hattaspor against Kasim Pasha.
Over the past weekend, Atsu was honored and celebrated in football stadiums across Europe and the world.
Among others in Amsterdam.
When his compatriot, 22-year-old Mohamed Kodos, mocked a free kick Ajax played at home against Sparta Rotterdam on Sunday, he chose to celebrate the goal by tearing his shirt.
Below, the striker was wearing a white T-shirt that read “RIP Atsu”.
“much respect”
Normally, referee Paul van Boekel would admonish him, but the Dutchman opted purely sonically to spare the Ajax player a yellow card. A gesture appreciated by Kudos.
– We have football rules, but they are bigger than football. The referee said this is not allowed but he understood me. I have a lot of respect for him because he understood the whole situation.
– Atsu was close to me, he says ESPN.
Christian Atsu was affiliated with Premier League club Chelsea between 2013 and 2017 and was loaned out to clubs like Everton and Newcastle.
He also played 60 caps for Ghana, most recently in 2019.