Former Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv defender John Pantsil, now an assistant coach with Ghana, was involved in a heated exchange with Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham during Ghana’s match against England at the 2026 World Cup. The article says Pantsil, remembered in Israel for celebrating a goal with an Israeli flag, met England from the other side in the overnight match between Tuesday and Wednesday.
The confrontation came at halftime of a 0-0 game, after a hard foul on Jeremie Opoku. Bellingham was filmed arguing with Pantsil, who shouted at him, and both sides were heard saying, "fuck you." Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz also tried to step toward Bellingham during the incident.
The pair were separated, and the second half began without further drama. Bellingham was later substituted for tactical reasons, and the match ended scoreless.