Diego Maradona blasted by Rio Ferdinand and Gary Lineker for giving middle finger to fans during Argentina’s 2-1 win over Nigeria
Hand of God legend's antics in the stands stole the show but former England star blasted his bizarre actions
RIO FERDINAND slammed Diego Maradona for his middle finger gesture during Argentina's 2-1 win over Nigeria.
The World Cup legend stole the show from the stands as Marcos Rojo's winner sent the two-time champions through.
Maradona, 57, danced with a female Nigeria fan, gave the crowd the finger and performed a weird Dracula-style cross in front of his chest.
England star Kyle Walker was among those picking up on the 57-year-old's wacky antics.
But former Three Lions star Ferdinand blasted the Hand of God icon.
He said: "His career as a football player on the pitch was up there with the best, but unfortunately there are moments like this that do arrive. It is not nice to see that."
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Gary Lineker, who was in the BBC studio with Ferdinand, said: "There's Diego Maradona celebrating. I think there's a danger he's becoming a laughing stock I'm afraid.
"[He's] let himself down with that celebration. You understand how he's euphoric, but this kind of reaction... really, Diego?"
Video later emerged of Maradona appearing close to collapse as he had to be helped from the stands and into a private area.
It must be stressed Ferdinand and Lineker were commenting only on Maradona's middle finger gesture.
Social media users slammed Maradona too.
One wrote: "Is it me or is Diego Maradona drunk. You saw him raising his middle finger."
Another said: "Diego Maradona showing Nigerians middle finger after the goal was nothing but absolute disgrace."
A fellow user posted: "Fifa must discipline Diego Maradona for showing Africans the middle finger."
And one said: "That disgraceful moment when Maradona was caught live on TV showing middle finger to fans."