Diego Maradona may be a giant of football history, governing body FIFA said on Friday, but even he must show respect to other fans at World Cup stadiums.
Asked about complaints that the 57-year-old had made an obscene gesture at other spectators after Argentina snatched a late win on Wednesday, FIFA's World Cup chief executive Colin Smith told reporters that the former Argentine player was a valued part of its legends programme to promote the game.
'The players who helped write the history of football have a part to play,' Smith said. 'Diego Maradona, obviously one of the greatest footballers who ever lived, is a part of that.'
But, saying FIFA was aware of incidents such as that during Argentina's vital group game against Nigeria in Saint Petersburg, he added:
'We would expect all players, former players, staff, fans, everyone to behave in a respectful manner.'
During the game, Maradona drew attention with his antics in the stands, lapping up adulation from fans, unveiling a poster of himself and seemingly falling asleep at one point.
Then, after Marcos Rojo's 86th-minute winner secured Argentina's place in the last 16, he made a middle-finger gesture with both hands.
'From the hands of God, to the fingers of shame', read one headline in Latin America, referring to Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal against England at the 1986 World Cup.
The Argentine is no stranger to controversy, having once shot at journalists with an air rifle, and he has battled cocaine and alcohol addictions.
Hulk4444
164
They should show some respect to the other nation. Didn’t expected such an amateur, disrespectful gesture from a so called “legend”.
BâbÿÑhïï
164
Legends don't take advice from children
Fauzisma
91
😂😂😂😂😂😂fifa don't know Diego affected by drug so he can do whatever he want to do so don't blame him
robscoolkays
88
You have nailed it and I said it before that his behavior is because of drug abuse.Instead of being a role model to our kids and footballers as a legend am sad that he is an example I would give to kids to refrain from drug abuse as that's how they will become and behave in future.Shame!
Hulk4444
58
Maradona’s life - to backoff messi from every criticism and support him. Messi’s fans life - to backoff maradona from every criticism bcoz he is covering messi.
Naobkmnsuz
52
You have nailed it and I said it before that his behavior is because of drug abuse.Instead of being a role model to our kids and footballers as a legend am sad that he is an example I would give to kids to refrain from drug abuse as that's how they will become and behave in future.Shame!
Who said he wants to be a role model? Why did u always things that legends are role models? Small minds like your FIFA officials. They hired this guy well aware of his controversial behavior and are now cry babies. Soccer loves respect for playing football not for good behavior because we know he doesn’t have that.
Elsa98
36
Heroes!
mushfiqvaya
28
so true