Diego Maradona was brought to the hospital on Tuesday following Argentina's 2-1 victory over Nigeria in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in St. Petersburg.
Maradona, who spearheaded Argentina into winning the 1986 World Cup, was caught on camera celebrating Marcos Rojos' 86th-minute goal with a middle-finger sign toward the fans of Nigeria. Earlier in the tournament, middle fingers were also shown live on air when decorated singer Robbie Williams sang in the opening ceremonies.
Rojo's exquisite volley allowed Argentina to finish second in Group D and more importantly, punch their ticket into the next round. Lionel Messi scored the other goal for Argentina who was on the brink of the elimination prior to the match. With the victory, Argentina will take on France in the Round of 16 this Saturday.
Diego Maradona Suffered Physical Difficulty
Moments after Rojo's goal, the 57-year-old struggled to return to his mid-level seat and had to be helped out by his associates. Maradona eventually collapsed into a chair but was able to leave the stadium normally. Sources say that Maradona was suffering from physical difficulty after the match and was found out to have a low blood pressure.
"Maradona had to be cared for by doctors and was taken to hospital," Diego Cora of ESPN Deportes revealed.
The organizers of the World Cup have yet to release a statement following Maradona's drastic collapse. The Argentina football association refused to comment further but said that Maradona wasn't part of their World Cup delegation team.
Maradona has reportedly been stabilized, according to an Argentinian source who asked not to be named. Two hours after the incident, a photo of Maradona smiling at the airport was circulated online.
The FIFA Ambassador is widely recognized for the iconic Hand of God goal against England in the quarterfinal round of the 1986 World Cup tournament. Maradona competed in four World Cup tournaments.
Players, Pundits React To Maradona's Obscene Gesture
Several football players and pundits expressed their dismay on Maradona's reaction following Argentina's victory. Erstwhile England defender Rio Ferdinand said that he was not impressed with Maradona's actions. Renowned BBC journalist Gary Lineker described Maradona as a laughing stock, citing that the kind of reaction was just unnecessary.
ITV presenter Jacqui Oatley also accused Maradona of a racist gesture in Argentina's 1-1 draw against Iceland earlier in the tournament. Oatley added that Maradona committed a racist gesture as he pulled his eyes to the side after some South Korean fans yelled his name.
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