Tartan Army celebrated him in Hokey Cokey
DEVASTATED Scotland fans last night paid tribute to football genius Diego Maradona and said he was a Tartan Army folk hero.
The Argentine was hailed by many Scotland supporters after his infamous “Hand of God” goal knocked England out of the World Cup in 1986.
Leaping Maradona stuck out a fist to nudge a cross past England keeper Peter Shilton, earning himself instant lifetime hero status in Argentina – and Scotland.
When asked after the game what part of his body had applied the winning touch, he said: “A little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God.”
The Tartan Army even dedicated a song to him. To the tune for the Hokey Cokey, they sang: “He put the English out, out, out!”
Many Scotland fans were gutted to hear that their hero had died after a cardiac arrest at his home.
Iain Emerson, editor of the Famous Tartan Army magazine, who had met Maradona, said: “It was really upsetting to hear that such a legend has died. He was one of the greatest players of all time.
“I got to meet him when he was training at Celtic Park with the Argentina team.
“One of the players lost a chain with a crucifix and everyone was out looking for it on the pitch. One of the ball boys found it and Maradona was lifting him up and hugging him. It was something the ball boy would never forget.
“I got him to sign my Scotland top. He was a great guy. His two classic goals against the Auld Enemy will make sure he always stands out for the Tartan Army.
“The one where he dribbled almost the length of the pitch against England is possibly one of the best goals of all time.”
He added: “It is really sad to hear that he has gone. He was a legendary sportsman. It’s tragic he has passed away at the age of just 60.
“One thing is for sure, Scotland and the Tartan Army will never, ever forget him.”
SNP MP Gavin Newlands, a regular at Scotland games, paid tribute on social media. He wrote: “Gutted. Grew up idolising Diego. For me, the greatest player of all time. The Tartan Army has always had a huge affinity for Diego.
“As a photographer, I was lucky to get close tto the great man when he brought his Argentina side to Hampden in 2008.”
Author and Scotland fan Gerry Hassan wrote: “RIP Maradona. Football genius. Cultural icon. Latin-American and Argentinian legend. Honorary member of the Tartan Army. And he had Che Guevara and Fidel Castro tattoos.”
Maradona scored his first goal for the Argentinian national side in a 3-1 win at Hampden in 1979 and received a standing ovation from the crowd of 61,918.
And his first game as Argentina manager was at that game at Hampden in 2008.
Ahead of the 1-0 friendly win, former England captain Terry Butcher, who at that time was in Scotland’s management team, said he wouldn’t shake Maradona’s hand.
Maradona said: “Let him get on with his life and I’ll get on with mine. If people are fine with me, I’m fine with them. I won’t lose any sleep if he doesn’t shake my hand.”