The hand of God strikes again: Maradona slaps a journalist in the face
Video: The controversial Argentinian football star hit out after accusing a reporter of winking at his wife
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.It has been a long time since Diego Maradona made the news for his performances on the football pitch, but he has shown himself adept at remaining in the spotlight during his retirement.
The Argentinian football legend created more controversy this weekend after he slapped a journalist during an exchange with reporters.
Maradona was being interviewed in his car as he left a theatre with his ex-wife, Veronica Ojeda, and their son Diego Fernando.
In the video, Maradona is talking to reports through the driver's window of his car. Once he's finished talking, he winds up the window and appears ready to move on.
However, he then gets out of the vehicle and walks towards a reporter holding a dictaphone. Maradona says to the man, "Why mess with my wife if I do not mess with you?" The 1986 World Cup winner claimed that the reporter had winked or made some sort of gesture at his partner Ojeda.
The story has since become big news in Argentina and it is not the first time in recent memory that Maradona's on-screen actions have made the headlines.
During the World Cup in Brazil this summer, Julio Grondona, the president of the Argentina Football Association (AFA), said that Maradona was a jinx on the national side, citing the fact that Lionel Messi only netted the winning goal during a game against Iran after Maradona had left the stadium.
In response, Maradona said it was Messi’s own effort that ensured Argentina's victory and not because he had left the stadium. He then looked into the camera and brandished his middle finger, saying, "Jinx this".
Maradona represented the Argentina side in four World Cups, winning the tournament as captain in 1986. He managed the Argentina team in 2010, leading them to the quarter-finals where they lost 4-0 to Germany.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments