Maradona`s in Town

Probably the most famous incident in England soccer history was the 1986 World Cup quarter final against Argentina. Argentina won the game 2-0 but only after their first goal was scored in highly controversial circumstances. Maradona, the then number one player in world soccer, went up for a high ball in the box as the England goalkeeper Peter Shilton was coming to collect.. The ball appeared to be knocked over the advancing Shilton via the outstretched arm of the diminutive Argentinian striker. Terry Butcher, the England centre half, peeled away gesturing to the referee that Maradona had knocked the ball in with his hand. The referee ignored Butcher`s protests and that of other England players and gave the goal. At that point the game was an even contest with England having the best of the goal opportunities but that goal seemed to deflate the England side and in the searing Mexican sun they conceeded another goal to Argentina and that was the end of their World Cup.

After the game Maradona said it was God`s intervention which caused the goal. Ever since then the game has been referred to as " the hand of God" game. Terry Butcher however brandished Maradona as a cheat and vowed never to converse with Maradona ever again. The whole incident has now, once more, been brought to the fore. Maradona has been appointed as coach to the Argentina national side. His first game in charge is on Wednesday the 19th November at Hampden Park, Glasgow, against Scotland who just happen to be managed by George Burley, an ex Scotland international, plus assistant coach Terry Butcher who figured in that famous game 22 years ago. In the 22 years that have passed Butcher`s opinion has not wavered and he has insisted he would not shake Maradona`s hand if offered.

At a press conference yesterday Maradona was quizzed on the controversy involving Butcher and himself. Maradona added fuel to the fires by referring to England`s controversial goal in the 1966 World Cup Final against Germany. On this occasion a shot struck the underside of the bar and bounced down on the line. The Russian linesman flagged for a goal despite the protests of the German players. Subsequent replays over the years have quite clearly shown that the whole of the ball was not over the line and therefore according to footballing rules it was not a goal. Butcher`s point though, is not referring to the fact that the referee got the decision wrong . He has been more incensed because of Maradona`s apparent cheating and after the game he made no bones about calling Maradona a cheat.

All of this, of course, adds spice to this evening`s fixture between these two famous footballing nations. Maradona has suggested that he will not lose any sleep if Butcher snubs him. He was arrogant as a player and that part of his personality has not changed. However , many people are of the opinion that Maradona`s standing as a great player may have been tarnished by that incident so long ago . Maradona`s comments yesterday show he is not fazed. There are more important issues in life. The game is over and done with and life moves on . He has suggested that Butcher gets a life. Im inclined to agree. Yes he cheated. Yes it was unsporting. Yes, it probably cost England the game. If it had been the other way round though and it was an England player that had scored a controversial goal, would Terry Butcher be bleating? I seriously doubt it. The modern game is full of players who cheat in one way or another. It`s a sign of our times. Professional soccer is no longer a sport. It is a business where the only thing that matters is winning and success. Maybe Maradona was ahead of his time. One thing is for sure. He wasn`t the first professional player to gain advantage by cheating and he won`t be the last. As for tonight`s game. May the best team win. As long as it is Scotland!