Diego McMaradona

Chris Burton reflects on the welcome afforded to the Hand of God in Scotland

Last updated: 17th November 2008  

Diego McMaradona

Maradona: Marmite man

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It was perhaps fitting that Diego Armando Maradona's arrival on Scottish shores this week occurred on a Sunday.

The man who revels under the 'Hand of God' moniker enjoys a social standing second only to the big man upstairs back in football-mad Argentina.

The greatest player of his, or anybody else's, generation, Maradona is, in sporting terms, about as close to a Messiah as you are likely to get.

Yes, he may have had a tendency to go off the rails in spectacular fashion throughout an illustrious career, with drug problems following him around like a bad smell.

And yes, having never been one to shy away from controversy, he has even managed to maintain a considerable public profile since hanging up his boots 11 years ago.

Fluctuating weight problems, the omnipresent drug suspicions and a questionable friendship with Cuba's revolutionary president Fidel Castro have all helped to ensure that Maradona remains as much a part of football's fibre today as he was during his playing days.

But, there is no denying that the man is a living, breathing legend - the kind of which we are unlikely to see again.

However, I may be allowing my own personal opinions of a man I deem to be the greatest sportsman to ever grace this planet to cloud my judgment here.

Captivated

I appreciate that Maradona is not to everyone's taste and, to paraphrase the slogan of a well-known yeast-based product, he is your stereotypical 'Marmite man' - you either love him or you hate him.

Having led his homeland, almost single-handedly, to World Cup glory in 1986, his place in the hearts of Argentines across the globe is sealed indefinitely.

That comes as no surprise, though, and it is only when you begin looking at Maradona's popularity away from South America that you start to gain a greater understanding of how one man can cause such a massive fluctuation in opinion.

His exploits with a ball at his feet captivated the world, and the pop star-esque welcome which greeted him at Glasgow would, unquestionably, be repeated were he to roll into town anywhere from Timbuktu to Texas.

He occupies a select group of individuals who enjoy almost universal acclaim - standing alongside such sporting greats as Pele and Muhammad Ali.

However, if there is one country that has embraced El Diego more than any other, then it would appear to be Scotland.

The Scots and the Argentines you see have something in common - an all-encompassing dislike for all things English.

Therefore, anyone who makes said nation look like a bunch of mugs is instantly hailed as a national hero - regardless of nationality, past misdemeanours etc.

With that in mind, it comes as no surprise to find that Maradona's infamous goal which helped dump England out of the World Cup 22 years ago features prominently in many Scotsman's, and Argentine's, all-time greatest sporting moments.

Smirking

The sight of the Diego's dumpy frame rising above Peter Shilton's outstretched fist to glance the ball home with his fingertips equates to the stuff of dreams for Tartan-clad men everywhere.

There is even a bar in Ayr dedicated to that one moment in history, with the 'Hand of God' dominated by a wall-length mural of the goal and staff kitted out in Argentina replica shirts as they tend to smirking customers.

The fact that Maradona actually scored his first international goal against them at Hampden Park in 1979 has long been forgotten, with his actions seven years on ensuring that he will not go thirsty should he decide to frequent a Glasgow watering hole during his current jaunt to Britain.

How many other men can claim to enjoy such acclaim so far from home? England certainly do not have a comparable figurehead, while no-one springs to mind in regards to Wales or Ireland.

Maradona has always been one of a kind, an individual who stands alone in a world dominated by meaningless 'celebrity'.

His place in the starry eyes of Scots would only seem to confirm this, with a nation proving to be equally as welcoming to a Latin superstar who speaks little English as they were to their returning Olympic heroes this summer.

It remains to be seen how forgiving those inside Hampden on Wednesday will be should Maradona's first game in charge of his beloved country end with the Albicelestes running rings around George Burley's men.

But, with that said, should the game go the way of the visitors then it will be the home coach who will be looking to shelter from the torrent of terrace bile.

Whatever happens in midweek, though, I am of the opinion that the world is a better place for having welcomed Maradona back into football, and those who take the time to catch the game on Sky Sports 1 are likely to be in for a treat.

Comments (35)

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David Matthews (Sheffield Wednesday fan) says...

I am absolutely flabbergasted at all the people on this forum who think that Maradona is the best player of all time. I can only conclude that they are all under 45 years old and were just not around or too young to watch games from 1958 to 1970. Maradona is the second best player - without a doubt - and Johan Cryuff the third but if I had a choice Pele would be my first name on the teamsheet. As for Zidane being in this company? Are you having a laugh?

Posted 10:33 19th November 2008

Jonathan Mcdonald (Celtic fan) says...

There are many valid points with regards the undoubted genius of Diego Armando Maradona. The main one however when the English say he is a cheat is the Geoff Hurst goal that never should have been and the fact that England had the audacity to play EVERY game of the 66 World Cup at their national stadium Wembley. England get over yourself. If you did not put players of lesser ability on such a pedestal then you would not have such disappointments at major tournaments and you would not have to always look for an excuse or a scapegoat. English football has had some wonderful footballers over the years but ask the very best of them what they think about Diego Maradona and they would ALL say he was the best footballer the world has ever seen alongside Pele. Genius in many walks of life comes flawed (Oscar Wilde, Picasso, Dali, Best to name but a few) and unless you have genius I think it is slightly ignorant to concentrate on Diego Maradona's weaker points in his life. He was hurting himself and those close to him, nobody else, yet the amazing moments of art that he produced on a football field will give us and our children joy for many years to come. Lets concentrate on ALL those goals and moments of breathtaking skill rather than one goal that should never have stood - England would you give the World Cup of 66 back for the Geoff Hurst goal that should never have stood? I didn't think so!

Posted 10:02 19th November 2008

Simon Worthington (Manchester United fan) says...

Diego Maradona - you were a legend, and in my opinion still are. I thought He (Diego) conducted himself impeccably in the press conference. As an Irishman - The Scots have never really had much to cheer about in their world cup folk law (qualifying past the group stage) so I guess gloating at the English once more is something for them to savor. I cannot reiterate enough to the 'dosy' Prime Minster of Great Britain that it wouldn't be the best idea to form a British team to compete in London 2012. So, I say thank you to Argentina for producing the legend of Diego Maradona - and as a grateful Manchester United fan the emerging legend of a certain Carlos Tevez.

Posted 09:36 19th November 2008

Omor Ehi (Manchester United fan) says...

I still a am at loss why the English press have refused to let this issue of hand of God fade away. They have cntiniously done this to find solace and refused to comment on the second goal which was pure genius. Maradona took on the entire english defence line and that Goal is adjuged to be the best goal ever scored in a world cup. The presshave simply refused to accept this fact. Maradona is in Scotland and the ever critical English press are at it again. And Terry Butcher rather accept the fact that in 1986 he had the priveledge of being on the pitch with a legend has come out to say he would not shake hands. Does he expect Maradona to appologise for using his hand? Which footabller on the face of the earth has ever come out to appologise for some act on the field of play. Lets face it. Maradona is pure class and all i can wish him is that he brings success to the Argentine squad.

Posted 18:35 18th November 2008

Vikram Chauhan (Manchester United fan) says...

Comparing Maradona to anyother footballer in the history of the game is not an option. The man did what no one has done led a country and club to glory single handedly. Has anyone ever done? Pele has to be one of the most overrated footballers ever the man at his prime was not fit to lace El Diego's laces! He had to many issues and played against much weaker opposition and if you see his record in the W.C's except for the one in Sweden he hardly has any merit for the Brazilian victories. His best performances if you see the records were never against equal or better opposition. A cause of his success was the pressence of talented teammates like Didi and Garrincha. Hand of God has always been looked as the reason reason why England were dumped out in '86 but they were weighed, measured and found wanting. They were never good enough, and that is a good enough reason without bringing the 2nd goal into the picture. El Diego forever !!!

Posted 17:20 18th November 2008

Max Makda (Manchester United fan) says...

Some of these guys have absolutely no idea about football and players... how can you compare Zidane to Maradona. Maradona did things with his backside that you cant even begin to imagine! Have you ever seen Zizou take on 4,5,6,7,England players by himself?! You need to watch Cruyff, Zico, Best, Eusebio, Puskas, Di Stefano, Garinja,before pedastalling Zizou on a par with Maradona. Hell! he wouldnt even come anywhere near these guys let alone Diego. And England always have an excuse... its never them! Its always Beckhams sending off, Ronaldinho's fluke, penalties misfortune, Graham 'turnip' Taylor or the Hand of God! Lets be honest you were beaten by a better Holland, Germany, Brazil and Maradona...i mean... Argentina! Admit it... England don't have world class players... Lampard or Kaka? Joe Cole or Messi? Buffon or James? Barry or Essien? Heskey or Ronaldo? Defoe or Torres? Get my drift... Maradona was the most skillful player that ever lived. His control, skill, balance, poise, execution and genius is still for all to see. Check youtube, old vids and watch the old documentaries then you will know what I mean. Pele was the best all round footballer but in terms of sheer skill Maradona takes the biscuit! A hands down choclate chip cookie! Maradona is king!

Posted 15:54 18th November 2008

George Afriyie (Chelsea fan) says...

He is the best player the world has ever seen and no one comes near him just hope and pray he suceed as a manager as he did as a player

Posted 15:44 18th November 2008

Golden Bhoy (Celtic fan) says...

Great to see the English are not bitter about the hand of god.Diego is the best player of my lifetime and i would have loved to have seen him play and there definetly is a buzz about Glasgow knowing Maradona is in the area.I wonder what the people who are slating Maradona thought on Rio Ferdinand missing his test.They were prob the same people touting him as England captain. Can you catch me Peter Reid

Posted 14:30 18th November 2008

Mike Archer (Wrexham fan) says...

Bitter English comments yet again! Haha, Maradona is a great among greats, In my Welsh eyes it makes it even better that he "robbed" England. No other country in the world likes England, get used to it.....! It is the win one game, "we are the best team in the world" scenario that annoys everyone. England still seem to think they have a devine right to win any sporting tournament thay enter. England fans in deluded shocker!

Posted 14:24 18th November 2008

Colin Smith (Arsenal fan) says...

As an England fan. How can anyone argue the talent this man had as a player. How can anyone not agree that he was a masterclass act at dribbling the ball . We have not seen a player since, that can do the stuff with a ball that Maradona did. Maybe, just maybe Messi is on that road to stardom . He is a living legend simple as.

Posted 14:01 18th November 2008

Graeme Matthew (Hibernian fan) says...

To completely disregard Maradona's abilities because of the 'Hand of God' goal is just hypocrisy of the highest order. Every team have had their moments when they've benefited from an 'Un-Corinthian' act. Joe Jordan's penalty winning hand ball against Wales in 1977 at Anfield is ours. Geoff Hurst's extra time 'goal' is England's (along with any time an opposing defender goes anywhere near Joe Cole) etc. Hope he does well as a manager, he certainly should with the players at his disposal.

Posted 13:58 18th November 2008

Nick Royce (Chelsea fan) says...

People seem to forget that Maradona's second goal against us was voted the greatest world cup goal of all time. He was and still is a genius. He stand's along side Pele and Ali no problem, where England's modern day equvilent is Beckham or Gazza, what a joke! In a world that is based purely on image and cheap fame, Maradona is a living legend and a god of football, Zidane also was, Chris Clark, u obviously only watch Liverpool, as Zidane has done many great things, and at 34 dragged his team to the world cup final, beat that Stevie (boring) G.

Posted 13:40 18th November 2008

Alex Pinker (Chelsea fan) says...

Maradona was a fantastic player, best in the world. But as a person he comes across immature with no class. Not every one would cheat like that with a blatant handball and to be honest I would be embarrassed to win that way, it would not feel like a win. I would want my kids to meet Pele or Ali but I would steer them clear of Maradona.

Posted 13:34 18th November 2008

N Dicky (Queen's Park fan) says...

I'm Scottish and I don't care for Maradona's "hand of god" goal and I doubt all scots are all so petty as to enjoy this goal because it put england out. I take my joy from 'Dona scoring arguably the best goal in world cup history as any fan of the game would!

Posted 13:33 18th November 2008

Jason Smith (Arsenal fan) says...

I really thought this was a PR stunt, as Maradona was an amazing idol when he was in prime - not now as a drug taking cheater who has been battling depression. No disrespect - these are facts. The guy was amazing in 86' and any other year after that but thats it, would he of been more infamous should the "hand of god" never happen - possibly. But he chose to cloud his name with his own antics. Personally, he will bring nothing but crowds to his games who just want to see him and not his team playing. Hes just lucky he some excellent players !!

Posted 13:24 18th November 2008

Shane Mulcahy (Celtic fan) says...

I find it quite pathetic the English always have to mention the hand of god when Maradona's name is mentioned. How come they never mention the second goal in that game, which was the greatest of all time scored by the greatest of all time. Maradona once had a great point to argue against the hand of god. He said if he took a shot in that game and the ball went one foot over the line and Shilton pulled it back out without the referree seeing it, would Shilton have gone to the referee and told him that it was a goal????? Maradona is the only player in history to carry both club and country single-handedly to success, a feat no other player has, or will ever do

Posted 13:12 18th November 2008

Tim Freestone (Rangers fan) says...

I hope that Maradona can win the World Cup with Argentina, and by doing so, become the greatest sportsperson of all time. He was such a phenomenally brilliant player and such a true character of the sport. I think the sight of him on the Argentinian bench will be such an inspiration to all of the Albiceleste players, that this could see them win the World Cup.

Posted 12:56 18th November 2008

Shuja Ahmad (Manchester United fan) says...

People, hate him for his antics off the field but you know nothing of football if you don't rate him as the greatest footballer the world has ever seen. If you asked the typical football fan who knows a bit about football history to name a few of the Brazil world cup winning team from the 70's they would probably be able to name 5 or 6 great players on top of Pele at least. Then ask them to name 2 or 3 great players from the Argentina team that won the world cup & off the top of their heads they probably know only 1 - Maradona! The only time a player has one a world cup (or any other cup) single handedly. And lets not mention what he did when he went to Napoli after breaking his leg at Barcelona! Again, single handedly winning 2 league title & UEFA cup - with Napoli! As for not being a team player - you should get the views of the strikers that played with him. He would be greedy & take on whole teams by himself but the amount of times he laid off tap-ins for the strikers was uncountable. True he was a junkie & it's not something to overlook, but truth is he was far more talented than Pele. Pele is more of an ambassador of football. He didn't even play in europe. Pele was a goal machine, maradona had everything you need to be a great footballer. Simply the best.

Posted 12:53 18th November 2008

Derek Stuart (Chelsea fan) says...

Oh this makes me smile, the only reason the English harp on about his infamous (in their opinion) "hand of god" goal is because is helps them erase the memory of Maradonna's other goal, where he ran rings around half the English team before slotting past Shilton. Talking of cheats, don't be hypocritical now Mr Englishman, didn't Owen DIVE vs Argentina in the 2002 World Cup where Beckham scored from the resulting penalty? Sour grapes and hypocracy, get over it!

Posted 12:11 18th November 2008

Greg Henderson (Rangers fan) says...

No chance will he flop as a manager... The argentines couldn't have a more influencial figure head in the dressing room. The man is an icon and you can sit and complain all day about him being a "cheat", but at the end of the day, he was just smarter than any man on that pitch on that day. Chris, go watch some Maradona videos son, and then you might understand why he's mentioned in the same breath as Pele and Ali.

Posted 11:07 18th November 2008
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