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The Argentine icon became an immortal hero for Scotland fans after its infamous « Hand of God » goal pushed England out of the 1986 World Cup.
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Devastated fans of the Tartan Army paid tribute to football genius Diego Maradona, who died at the age of 60.
The Argentine icon became an immortal hero for Scottish fans after his infamous “Hand of God” goal pushed England out of the 1986 World Cup.
A bouncing Maradona reached out to get the ball past England goalkeeper Peter Shilton. He sparked controversy south of the border and secured lifetime hero status in Argentina and Scotland.
Scotland fans were “disappointed” last night when they heard their hero – who was asked after the game which part of his body had applied the winning touch – said, “A bit with the head of Maradona and a a little by the hand of God ”- had died after a cardiac arrest in his home.
He said, “It was really annoying to hear that such a legend has died. He was one of the greatest players of all time.
“I met him when he was training with the Argentine team in the Celtic Park.
« One of his players lost a chain with a crucifix and everyone has been looking for it on the field.
« One of the little ball boys found it and Maradona picked him up and hugged him – something the ball boy would never forget.
« I got him to sign my top in Scotland. He was a great guy. His two classic goals against the Auld enemy will ensure that he always stands out from the tartan army.
« The goal in which he dribbled almost the length of the field against England may well be one of the best goals ever.
« It’s really sad to hear that he left. He was a great man and a legendary athlete. It is tragic that he passed away at the age of only 60. One thing is certain, Scotland and the Tartan Army will never forget him. ”
Tartan Army supporter Gavin Newlands MP paid tribute to social media. He said, “Except. I grew up with the idol Diego, the greatest player of all time for me. The Tartan Army has always had a great affinity with Diego.
« I was fortunate enough to get close to the great man as a photographer when he brought his Argentinian team to Hampden in 2006. ”
Over the years, Maradona’s weight gain and continued substance abuse raised concerns for his well-being, but in 2007 he announced that he was clean, sober, and recovering from alcohol abuse.
His love affair with Scotland began when he scored his first goal for the Argentina national team in Hampden in 1979, before receiving a standing ovation from the impressed believers in the Tartan Army.
His connection with Scotland was enhanced when his first game as manager of the Argentina team took place in Hampden in 2008. There was no hatch burying ahead of the 1-0 friendly win when Terry Butcher, then Scotland’s assistant, said he would not shake hands with Maradona.
At the time, Maradona said, “Let him get on with his life and I’ll get on with mine. When people are fine, I’m fine. I won’t lose sleep if he doesn’t shake my hand. ”
Argentina won the game 1-0, a rare success for Maradona during his tenure as head of the national team. An indifferent 2010 World Cup led to his dismissal.
The Tartan Army dedicated a song to the football genius. Adjusted to the melody of the hokey cokey, it comes to the conclusion: « Oh Diego Maradona … he’s got the English out, out, out! »
Writer and Scotland fan Gerry Hassan wrote: “RIP Maradona. Football genius. Cultural icon. Latin American & Argentine legend. Honorary member of the Tartan Army. And he had tattoos of Che Guevara and Fidel Castro. ”
Former Scottish Labor MP Douglas Alexander said: « Maradona was a player for the ages that I am proud to have played against Scotland at Hampden. On that day in 1979, he scored a goal, dazzled the field and received a standing ovation from the crowd. ”
Scottish supporter Adam Dow said: « I was too young to see Maradona play myself but to this day my dad swears he was the best he has ever seen live after scoring his first goal in 1979 Argentina had scored against Scotland. « .
Diego Maradona, Scottish National Football Team, Argentina National Football Team
World News – UK – Tartan Army on how Maradona became a hero to Scottish fans after scoring ‘Hand of God’
Ref: https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk
