Diego Maradona is currently at the World Cup in Russia and was in attendance today during Argentina's opening Group D game against Iceland. It is while at this game that the Argentine legend was accused of a racist gesture towards nearby South Korean fans.
BBC Sports journalist and presenter Jacqui Oatley has accused the 57-year-old of making a racist gesture towards fans who called towards him.
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
I’m sat right next to Jacqui and saw Maradona’s gesture. He should know better. The lads filming him were so excited to get a picture of him and that was his response. Very Disappointing.
— Seema Jaswal (@seemajaswal) June 16, 2018
Oatley had earlier reported that Maradona arrived smoking a lit cigar and posed for pictures, while fans continually called towards him during the game. The in-game camera showed him within the ground sporting bright red sunglasses and two watches.
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
In the past, Maradona has coached Argentina at the World Cup when he led them to South Africa in 2010. His last managerial job was last year when he coached Dubai-based Fujairah before leaving at the end of the year.
