Diego Maradona reportedly makes racist gesture during Argentina vs Iceland match
He made the gesture in front of the press box in Moscow.
Diego Maradona is widely regareded as one of the greatest – if not the greatest – footballer to ever kick a ball, but to say that he is a controversial figure would be an understatement, with his drug and financial problems well documented.
The Argentinian was spotted in the stands watching his countrymen take on Iceland at the group D tie at the Sparatak Stadium in Moscow.
Understandably, his presence was noticed by the fans, and British journalist Jacqui Oatley filmed him blowing kisses to the crowd.
Diego Maradona a few yards away from us smoking a lit cigar while posing for snaps with fans. It smells quite nice. #geezer 🇦🇷1-1🇮🇸 pic.twitter.com/QE61pZRMSE
— Jacqui Oatley (@JacquiOatley) June 16, 2018
When your team is playing in the #WorldCup and you have Messi on your side but spend the entire game watching and shouting at an ex-player instead 🤷♀️ #Maradona 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/OWuuUkRxFn
— Jacqui Oatley (@JacquiOatley) June 16, 2018
Things then reportedly took an ugly turn, as he appeared to make a racist gesture to some Korean fans in the crowd.
As described by Oatley:
Some South Korea fans just shouted “Diego” and he obliged with a smile, kiss and wave. Then pulled his eyes to the side in a clearly racist gesture. All of us who saw it are stunned.
Maradona not so cool now. Some South Korea fans just shouted “Diego” and he obliged with a smile, kiss and wave. Then pulled his eyes to the side in a clearly racist gesture. All of us who saw it are stunned.
— Jacqui Oatley (@JacquiOatley) June 16, 2018
