Ghanaian player Osman Bukari has defended his imitation of Cristiano Ronaldo's iconic 'Siuuu' celebrations after scoring a late consolation in the team's 2-3 loss to Portugal.

It follows concerns on social media that the celebration was disrespectful towards Ronaldo - who usually celebrates his goals by jumping up while rotating in mid-air and lands shouting "siuuu".

But in Twitter posts, Bukhari dismissed the concerns as "incorrect"'

He said he "was overcome by the emotion of the moment of scoring for my country on my World Cup debut".

"My upbringing doesn’t permit me to be disrespectful to elders let alone one of my idols," he added.

I have noticed my celebration today has generated comments claiming I was disrespectful towards Ronaldo

This is incorrect. I was overcome by the emotion of the moment of scoring for my country on my World Cup debut leading to my celebration.

My upbringing doesn’t permit me

1/2 pic.twitter.com/5MWy0yaql0

— Osman Bukari (@OsmanBukari9) November 24, 2022