Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has launched a passionate defence of midfielder Thomas Partey after the player was booed during the Black Stars’ international friendly against Wales, describing the reaction as a symptom of a troubling modern “culture of impunity.”
Speaking after the match, the veteran tactician did not hide his frustration with what he perceives as a growing tendency for public judgment without due process, particularly in the age of social media and rapid-fire news cycles.
“I’m not surprised,” Queiroz said when asked about the crowd’s reaction to Partey. “We live in a weird world. I’m never tired of saying it. You should be concerned with how this modern world works — where anyone can say or do whatever they want with total impunity.”
The Portuguese coach was firm in his stance that no individual should be condemned outside the legal system, urging restraint and responsibility, especially from the media.
“Nobody should be judged or condemned before a court makes a decision,” he stressed. “The presumption of innocence must apply to everyone, starting with you, the press. But you publish things before the court. That’s your problem. You are responsible for creating this culture of impunity.”
Queiroz broadened his criticism beyond the incident involving Partey, suggesting that the issue reflects a deeper societal shift that affects players, coaches, and public figures alike.
“I hear barbaric things said about me, about players, about coaches,” he continued. “But I can’t shut myself off. It’s the modern world. I have to accept it. But honestly, I don’t like it. I have the right to say I don’t like it.”
The Ghana coach also pointed to what he described as a media environment driven more by sensationalism than accountability.
“I don’t like seeing this energy of impunity on social media and in the media — that you can do and say anything you want,” Queiroz added. “That is the biggest challenge of the modern world, in my humble opinion. But that doesn’t sell newspapers, and you don’t care about that. You care about what sells newspapers.”
Despite the off-field controversy, the match itself provided valuable preparation for Ghana as they continue to build toward the 2026 FIFA world cup in USA,Canada and Mexico. However, Queiroz’s post-match remarks ensured that discussions extended far beyond the pitch, raising broader questions about fairness, responsibility, and the role of public discourse in modern football.
