World Cup fans were engrossed in the on-pitch action between Argentina and Nigeria, this evening, until Diego Maradona stood up and waved a one-fingered salute at the fans who had travelled to Russia from Africa.
Maradona was at the centre of yet another storm over his behaviour at the tournament in Russia.
However, the badly behaved 57-year-old also stirred up fears about his health as he had to be helped from his seat. Images later emerged of his pulse being checked by paramedics.
Maradona is rumoured to have been take to hospital, although conflicting reports said he walked out of the stadium.
Throughout the Group D game in Saint Petersburg, which Argentina won 2-1, the camera panned to former Napoli player Maradona who was performing a manner of strange movements and gestures.
His antics stirred up a social media storm as he was caught swearing and giving insulting hand gestures.
Video then emerged on social media of Maradona appearing to need help back into VIP area at half time, looking unsteady on his feet.
Diego Maradona swore at supporters during Argentina’s win against Nigeria in St Petersburg
Retired Argentine footballer Diego Maradona was spotted with paramedics after he swore at fans and appeared to have slept through part of the same
The former Napoli striker was seen thanking God after Lionel Messi’s opener after 14 minutes
The 1986 World Cup winner was surrounded by supporters as he displayed a flag of himself
The Argentina legend held the flag of himself before kick off at St Petersburg Stadium
Maradona looked to the heavens and crossed his arms in celebration during the first half
The 57-year-old was overcome with emotion after Argentina took the lead against Nigeria
The 57-year-old was a masterful forward who drove Argentina to glory at Mexico 86, helped by his ‘Hand of God’ goal against England, and he played at four World Cups in all.
Yet the World Cup icon, who lifted the trophy for his country back in 1986, was a boisterous figure throughout the 90 minutes at the St Petersburg Stadium, dancing with female fans and celebrating wildly when the South Americans scored.
Maradona, a regular attendee at Argentina’s games, let his emotions get the better of him in the final moments as Rojo fired them into the last 16.
The 57-year-old leaned over the glass barrier in his VIP box to goad supporters below swearing at them and screaming as he was hugged by those in his area.
At one stage it all seemed too much for Maradona as he appeared to fall asleep in his seat
The 57-year-old seemed startled as he opened his eyes just before the end of the first half
Maradona appeared overcome with emotion after Messi found the net in the first half, with the goal prompting the 57-year-old to thank God.
The occasion all seemed to be a bit too much for him at one stage as he appeared to fall asleep.
Back in the BBC studio, Rio Ferdinand led the criticism of his antics. He said: ‘That will make a lot of the news unfortunately.
‘His career as a football player on the pitch was one of the best but unfortunately there are moments like this that do arise and it’s not nice to see that.’
Gary Lineker, hosting the programme on BBC One, said of England’s one-time nemesis at full-time: ‘There’s a danger of him becoming a laughing stock I’m afraid in many ways.
‘But Argentina, a marvellous evening for them, got through and did what they had to do.’
BBC sports presenter Dan Walker wrote on Twitter: ‘And that’s why you don’t show Maradona no matter how good he was in his prime’
Comedian David Baddiel added: ‘Maradona offends again with his hands at a World Cup…’
Part of Argentina’s 1986 World Cup winning side, the icon scored 34 goals for his country
A host of Argentina supporters gathered to take pictures of the former star before the game
A video emerged after the game of the former Napoli striker being carried into his own personal box, appearing to be on the verge of collapse.
Prior to the game Maradona was surrounded by many Argentina fans and took the time to interact with them and pose for pictures.
He appeared to be enjoying the attention he received and held up a flag of himself handed to him from the crowd below.
England fan Gerald Cameron, 51, of Norwich who is in Russia to see Gareth Southgate’s men take on Belgium on Thursday, said: ‘He needs to be kicked out of Russia.
‘There would have been a few million kids watching and he thought it was alright to act like a mad man and behave like that. Well it isn’t.’
Twice banned for drugs offences during his career as a player, Maradona also had a spell as coach of the national team, but his reputation is likely to suffer further after this latest episode.
The Argentina legend took time to interact with supporters before the action got underway
Maradona certainly seemed to enjoy the attention that he was getting from the fans
Saluting the crowd, he had to be held by one of his friends as he stood on the ledge of his box
Argentina supporters gather round as Maradona soaks up the praise at St Petersburg Stadium