Irony fan Maradona blasts England’s ‘monumental theft’

Sarah Winterburn

Diego Maradona is blaming Pierluigi Collina for England’s victory over Colombia in the last 16 of the World Cup.

The Argentina legend has indulged in an astonishing rant about referee Mark Geiger (and the man responsible for appointing him) being responsible for England’s victory.

England were awarded a penalty when Harry Kane was hauled down by Carlos Sanchez and Maradona is incensed.

Maradona said on Argentine TV: “I saw a monumental theft. I apologise to all the Colombian people, but they must know the players are not to blame.

“It is the man who decides who the referee is who is to blame. A man like that (Geiger) should not be put in charge of a game of that magnitude.

“With all due respect, Pierluigi Collina, as the man who designates the referees, he is very bad. He must apologise to the Colombian people.

“I told Gianni Infantino that if I worked for FIFA I would change everything. It has to be transparent. That’s why I didn’t go there.

“The referee will know a lot about baseball, but he has no idea about football. The Colombian players asked for VAR and he did not give it to them.

“Twice the English threw themselves to the ground and he did not admonish them. This was theft.

“The penalty was not a foul. In fact, it was Kane’s fault.

“The referee is looking somewhere else and when he turns his head, Kane is on the floor.

“Kane used his arm to hook Sanchez and then threw himself down.

“I repeat, why didn’t the referee ask for the VAR? Colombia died standing. That’s why I applaud them.”

 

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John Nicholson: Wimbledon isn’t like the World Cup, so stop pretending nationality counts (Tennis365)

Win Or Lose: The Ultimate World Cup Playlist (Contact Music)

6 fantastic football movies to celebrate England beating Colombia at the World Cup (Female First)

What does it mean to dream about football during the World Cup? (Female First)