Protesters demand 'justice' for Diego Maradona amid investigation into death

Protesters took to the streets in Buenos Aires on Wednesday to demand what they say is “justice for Diego Maradona”. The football icon’s death in November has sparked investigations in Argentina into how he died and whether there had been any negligence in his care.

“He did not die, they killed him,” the organisers of the demonstration said in materials sent out on social media before the march. “Justice for Diego. Trial and punishment of the guilty.”

The march began at the Obelisco monument in the centre of the Argentinian capital. Maradona’s ex-wife, Claudia Villafañe, and their two daughters, Dalma and Gianinna, led the early-evening rally, with signs calling for social and legal justice in the case.

Protesters waved flags and sang songs in homage to Maradona, choking the streets around rush hour in the country’s capital.Maradona is regarded as one of the greatest footballers players of all time. The 1986 World Cup winner attained almost god-like status in his home country despite health problems and long battles with drug and alcohol addiction.

At the request of the justice department, a medical board met on Monday to analyse Maradona’s death. The 60year-old was recovering from brain surgery in Buenos Aires when he died after reportedly suffering a heart attack.

Investigators are looking at whether members of Maradona’s medical team did not adequately treat the former star, who played for Barcelona, Napoli and Sevilla, in addition to the Argentinian clubs Argentinos Juniors, Boca

Juniors and Newell’s Old Boys.

Maradona’s personal physician, Leopoldo Luque, denied responsibility for the former footballer’s death after police raided his home and surgery in November. “I feel terrible because my friend has died,” Luque said. “I’m not one who is responsible for all this. I’m absolutely certain I did the best that could have been done for Diego.”