Gary Lineker brands Maradona a ‘laughing stock’ after middle finger salute

Former England great, Gary Lineker lambasted Diego Maradona as a ‘laughing stock’ after the 1986 champion was caught live on television, flinging middle fingers and swearing at supporters while celebrating Marcos Rojo’s late winner against Nigeria on Tuesday.

Maradona who was in the stands as Argentina beat Nigeria 2-1 to seal their qualification into the last 16, could be seen standing in a Christ like pose and dancing after Messi scored in the 14th minute. He even unfurled a towel that had a big picture of him but soon embroided himself into controversy raising two middle fingers, while gesturing to the fans.

“There’s Diego Maradona celebrating,” said Lineker who is working as a BBC presenter for the World Cup. “I think he might make the papers for a different kind of celebration, there’s a danger he’s becoming a laughing stock I’m afraid.”

“He has let himself down with that celebration.” You understand how he’s euphoric, but this kind of reaction… Really, Diego?” added the former Barcelona player as quoted by The Independent.

Also read: World Cup 2018: Rojo, Messi carry Argentina into pre-quarters; Croatia top Group D

This is however not the first time Maradona has landed into controversy this World Cup. He was also accused of making ‘racist gestures’ at few South Korean fans when Argentina played Iceland and was snapped smoking a cigar, despite the presence of large “No Smoking” FIFA banners at the Stadium.

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand was also least happy with the Argentine’s antics and quoted, “His career as a football player on the pitch was up there with the best. Unfortunately there are moments like this that do arise, it’s not nice to see that let him down.”

The 57-year-old however seemed to have suffered some kind of ailment after the match and was attended to, by paramedics inside the stadium after he had collapsed into a chair, unable to get up from his seat.

Reportedly Maradona was later taken to a hospital but was realeased after receiving some sort of treatment.