Maradona on Hand of God vs VAR: "I'd have been arrested"
The Argentina legend spoke about what would have happened if video technology had existed when he scored that infamous goal against England in Mexico.
Former French international and Arsenal legend, Robert Pirès, interviewed Diego Armando Maradona for Bwin as part of their build up to Russia 2018. One specific topic had particular intrigue, that surrounding the infamous "Hand of God" goal, scored against England in the 1986 World Cup in Mexico.
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Maradona's 'Hand of God' vs VAR
That day, referee Ali Bin Nassar allowed the goal to stand. However, the question from Pirès was about the use of modern technology:
"What do you think would have happened in the England vs Argentina match of '86 if VAR had existed?" Pirés asked.
"I would have been arrested," the Argentine replied tongue firmly in his cheek, "Because you can't steal in front of 80,000 people."
"What 80,000!? The world! Pirès clarified, "Which was it, the left [hand]?" To which Maradona raised his left hand in the air, "This one!"
Explaining this further the legend, who also scored one of the greatest goals in World Cup history in the same game, said:
"I did 'tik-tik' and I put my head right behind it and [Terry] Fenwick said 'Hand! Hand!' 'What hand? Goal!!' I tell him, 'Goal!!'."
VAR will be used for the first time in a World Cup in Russia.