Why former England goalkeeper is still annoyed with Maradona

Football
By AFP | Nov 27, 2020
Former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton, was was victim to the infamous Maradona "hand of god" goal in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final [Fifa.com]

Diego Maradona, who died aged 60 on Wednesday night, possessed "greatness but not sportsmanship" said former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton who was was victim to the infamous "hand of god" goal in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final.

Shilton told the Daily Mail he did not like that the Argentina football legend had never apologised for the first of his two goals in the 2-1 victory in Mexico.

Maradona, who Shilton described as a "the greatest player I ever faced", went on to score twice more in the semi-final win over Belgium and lifted the World Cup after Argentina defeated West Germany in the final.

"What I don't like is that he never apologised," said Shilton. "Never at any stage did he say he had cheated and that he would like to say sorry."

The 125-time capped Shilton, who won the European Cup twice with Nottingham Forest, added: "My life has long been linked with that of Diego Maradona - and not in the way I would have liked."

The Hand of God. Another truly iconic image in World Cup history here, as Diego Maradona beats Peter Shilton to the ball and punches it into the net to give Argentina the lead against England in the quarter-finals of the 1986 World Cup. Maradona scored a quite magnificent second goal soon after, as Argentina claimed a 2-1 win. [Courtesy]

"But I am saddened to hear of his passing at such a young age. He was undoubtedly the greatest player I ever faced and my thoughts are with his family."

Shilton, 71, says England were still reeling from the "cheating" when Maradona scored his sublime second goal.

"It was a great goal but we were in no doubt - without the first goal he would not have scored the second," said Shilton.

Shilton, who reached the 1990 World Cup semi-finals  where England lost to Germany on penalties, said he had rejected the chance to appear with Maradona several times. 

 

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