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
