Photos of a very animated Diego Maradona flashing the finger at fans during Argentina's FIFA World Cup 2018 match against Nigeria made more headlines around the world than perhaps the match itself.
Known for having a rather colorful character, the legendary footballer was in the stands for the do-or-die match that Argentina absolutely had to win. And the team did. Barely.
(Also read: Twitter wonders if Maradona snorted drugs)
The former Argentine player was visibly animated throughout the match which saw the teams locked 1-1 till the 86th minute when Marcos Rojo managed to hit the winner. While the players on field broke into massive celebrations, Maradona too broke into an absolute frenzy - pumping his fists in the air, yelling before showing his middle fingers to fans nearby. The fans, it is assumed, were cheering for Nigeria.
Three images that define Argentina’s group stage. #ARG #Maradona #ARGNGR pic.twitter.com/qZmRBGMv7q
— Fresco (@Fresco_Football) June 26, 2018
Maradona also had to be treated after the match for what Argentine press said was low blood pressure. His act of showing the finger though meant that people around the world were largely unsympathetic.
#Maradona absolutely off his nut at the #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/OUI3AdRzyU
— Transfer News - insider ?? (@Agent_Edward) June 26, 2018
Many have highlighted that the legend is determined to make a fool of himself in Russia and that being an icon, Maradona should better control his emotions. A few on Tuesday also made references to his 'Hand of God' goal against England in the 1986 World Cup.
Shame Argentina didn’t go out so I didn’t have to see that fat drugged up cheat on my screen anymore! The bloke is meant to be one of the greats in the game, he’s a disgrace! #Maradona
— Stacey Little (@StaceyLittle) June 26, 2018
Shame Argentina didn’t go out so I didn’t have to see that fat drugged up cheat on my screen anymore! The bloke is meant to be one of the greats in the game, he’s a disgrace! #Maradona
— Stacey Little (@StaceyLittle) June 26, 2018
This, coupled with Argentina's rather unimpressive win in their final Group D match, meant that morale in the camp may still be low despite having secured a spot in the next round.
