A video posted on YouTube showed Argentina’s 1986 World Cup winning captain attempting to pose for a pre-match photo-shoot in front of a banner hanging on the wire mesh separating fans from the pitch.
After shooing away some over-enthusiastic supporters who tried to approach him, Maradona appeared to grow annoyed at a fan who persistently lifted the banner from behind.
Eventually, he kicked the fan’s hand away with a touch that was light but, in an Arab culture that holds feet to be dirty, could have caused offence. Maradona apologised to the fan according to local media. Al-Wasl went on to win the game against promoted Emirates 3-0 in the second round of the Etisalat Cup.
“I am emotional, this is my nature. I’ve always been like this as a player and coach. Sometimes I feel like I’m a player of Al-Wasl,” he was quoted as saying in Abu Dhabi-based sports website sport360.com
Published 23 September 2011, 16:40 IST