World Cup fans were engrossed in the on-pitch action between Argentina and Nigeria, this evening, until Diego Maradona stood up and waved a one-fingered salute at the fans who had travelled to Russia from Africa
Maradona was at the centre of yet another storm over his behaviour at the tournament in Russia
However, the badly behaved 57-year-old also stirred up fears about his health as he had to be helped from his seat
Images later emerged of his pulse being checked by paramedics.Maradona is rumoured to have been take to hospital, although conflicting reports said he walked out of the stadium
Throughout the Group D game in Saint Petersburg, which Argentina won 2-1, the camera panned to former Napoli player Maradona who was performing a manner of strange movements and gestures
His antics stirred up a social media storm as he was caught swearing and giving insulting hand gestures
Video then emerged on social media of Maradona appearing to need help back into VIP area at half time, looking unsteady on his feet
The 57-year-old was a masterful forward who drove Argentina to glory at Mexico 86, helped by his 'Hand of God' goal against England, and he played at four World Cups in all
Yet the World Cup icon, who lifted the trophy for his country back in 1986, was a boisterous figure throughout the 90 minutes at the St Petersburg Stadium, dancing with female fans and celebrating wildly when the South Americans scored
Maradona, a regular attendee at Argentina's games, let his emotions get the better of him in the final moments as Rojo fired them into the last 16
The 57-year-old leaned over the glass barrier in his VIP box to goad supporters below swearing at them and screaming as he was hugged by those in his area
Maradona appeared overcome with emotion after Messi found the net in the first half, with the goal prompting the 57-year-old to thank God
The occasion all seemed to be a bit too much for him at one stage as he appeared to fall asleep
Back in the BBC studio, Rio Ferdinand led the criticism of his antics.He said: 'That will make a lot of the news unfortunately
'His career as a football player on the pitch was one of the best but unfortunately there are moments like this that do arise and it's not nice to see that
' Gary Lineker, hosting the programme on BBC One, said of England's one-time nemesis at full-time: 'There's a danger of him becoming a laughing stock I'm afraid in many ways
'But Argentina, a marvellous evening for them, got through and did what they had to do
' BBC sports presenter Dan Walker wrote on Twitter: 'And that's why you don't show Maradona no matter how good he was in his prime' Comedian David Baddiel added: 'Maradona offends again with his hands at a World Cup
' A video emerged after the game of the former Napoli striker being carried into his own personal box, appearing to be on the verge of collapse
Prior to the game Maradona was surrounded by many Argentina fans and took the time to interact with them and pose for pictures
He appeared to be enjoying the attention he received and held up a flag of himself handed to him from the crowd below
England fan Gerald Cameron, 51, of Norwich who is in Russia to see Gareth Southgate's men take on Belgium on Thursday, said: 'He needs to be kicked out of Russia
'There would have been a few million kids watching and he thought it was alright to act like a mad man and behave like that
Well it isn't.' Twice banned for drugs offences during his career as a player, Maradona also had a spell as coach of the national team, but his reputation is likely to suffer further after this latest episode
Không có nhận xét nào:
Đăng nhận xét