Diego Maradona in racism storm after ‘gesture’ at South Korea fans ‘stuns’ witnesses
Argentina legend is at the centre of controversy in Russia after his reported response to supporters greeting him
DIEGO MARADONA is at the centre of a World Cup racism storm after reports of a gesture he seemed to make towards South Korea fans.
"Stunned" witnesses say the Argentina legend insulted supporters who shouted his name.
ITV's respected broadcaster Jacqui Oatley tweeted: "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."
Fellow sports presenter Seema Jaswal backed Oatley's claims - made from inside the Otkrytiye Arena where Iceland were holding Argentina to a 1-1 draw.
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She said: "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."
Maradona and the World Cup itself face embarrassment over the claims - as he is one of the biggest names in the history of the world's greatest tournament.
He skippered Argentina to the crown in 1986 - after his infamous "Hand of God" goal in the 2-1 quarter-final win over England.
And Maradona, 57, was arguably the beaming star of the World Cup draw for Fifa last year.
His kiss on the head of wheelchair-using Pele was regarded by many as the most touching event of the occasion and a symbol of respect.
Now, though, he has sparked controversy.
But if Argentina themselves are embarrassed by such attention on their finest ever player, they will be also be red-faced by their stumbling stalemate with Iceland in their group opener today.
Maradona watched from the stands in gold-tinted glasses as current captain Lionel Messi had a second-half penalty saved that would have sunk the well-organised World Cup debutants.
Sergio Aguero's first ever goal in the tournament on 19 minutes had been quickly cancelled out by Alfred Finnbogason.
