“A little with the head of Maradona and a little with the Hand of God”

One of the most controvertial moments in English football history happened on 22nd June 1986 at the FIFA World Cup in Mexico.

During the Quarter Final between England and Argentina, Maradona jumped to challenge the England goalkeeper Peter Shilton. Instead of heading the ball into the net Maradona used his left hand to punch it past Shilton.

The linesman did not see the handball and awarded a goal. After the match Maradona famously said that the goal was scored “a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the Hand of God”.

Many of the England players that day (in particular Shilton) and England supporters have never forgiven Maradona because of their sense of injustice. Who knows what might have happened had Maradona rightly been sent from the pitch that day?