Diego Maradona close to collapse as he is helped from the stands following raucous celebrations at Argentina win over Nigeria

THIS is the shocking moment Diego Maradona had to be helped from the stands close to collapse after Argentina's dramatic late win over Nigeria.

The football legend was barely able to stand and had to be helped into a chair by worried pals seconds after Argentina had sneaked past Nigeria to reach the last-16.

Maradona, 57, had second earlier sworn at supporters during a manic celebration after the South Americans had scored a late winner through Marcos Rojo.

And now there are concerns over the well-being of the former Barcelona and Napoli star - regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of football after he was rushed to hospital by medics straight from the game.

The Argentine hero, who lifted the World Cup for his country in 1986, could hardly walk from his seat at the end of the 2-1 win over Nigeria.

He had been a one-man show of manic antics from the build-up to kick-off in St Petersburg all the way through the game.

Maradona was already high on excitement before the game when he danced with a Nigerian supporter in his executive box.

When Lionel Messi fired Argentina ahead in the first half he then saluted the heavens and looked wild-eyed with delight with a strange Dracula-style celebration.

Throughout the game he was constantly up on his feet shouting and screaming, only to be slumped back in his seat minutes later.

Maradona's behaviour was criticised by former England star Rio Ferdinand, who was working as a a pundit for the BBC.

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Ferdinand 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."

And presenter Gary Lineker added: "Diego Maradona perhaps let himself down with his celebration."