Who Bought Maradona's Hand Of God Shirt?
Diego Maradona's infamous 'Hand of God' shirt from the 1986 World Cup match between Argentina and England is one of the most iconic pieces of sports memorabilia in the world. The shirt, which Maradona wore during the game, has been the subject of much interest and controversy over the years.
The Significance of the 'Hand of God' Incident
The 'Hand of God' incident occurred on June 22, 1986, during the World Cup quarterfinal match between Argentina and England. With the score tied at 1-1, Maradona scored the winning goal in extra time, but the goal was initially ruled out for a foul. However, the referee later changed his decision after consulting with his assistant, and the goal was awarded.
Maradona later admitted to punching the ball with his hand to deceive the referee, a move that became known as the 'Hand of God.' The goal is widely regarded as one of the most infamous moments in World Cup history.
The Shirt's Provenance and History
The 'Hand of God' shirt was sold at auction in 2010 for $4.8 million, with the proceeds going to Maradona's charity. However, the buyer of the shirt remains a mystery.
According to reports, the shirt was purchased by an anonymous individual, who was said to be a wealthy businessman from the Middle East. However, the buyer's identity was never revealed, and the transaction was shrouded in secrecy.
Steve Hodge Recalls the Incident
Steve Hodge, the English footballer who played for Nottingham Forest and was a teammate of Peter Beardsley, was the person who gave Maradona the shirt he wore during the 'Hand of God' incident. In an interview, Hodge recalled the events leading up to the goal, saying:
'I remember giving Maradona my shirt because he was getting tired and I was getting tired. I wanted to give him a bit of a break, but I had no idea what was going to happen next.'
Peter Reid on the 'Hand of God' Incident
Peter Reid, the former Everton and England manager, has spoken extensively about the 'Hand of God' incident. In an interview with GB News, Reid said:
'The 'Hand of God' incident was a turning point in the game, and it had a huge impact on the outcome. Maradona's goal was a turning point, and it changed the momentum of the game.'
The Legacy of the 'Hand of God' Shirt
The 'Hand of God' shirt is widely regarded as one of the most iconic pieces of sports memorabilia in the world. Its history and significance are a reminder of the controversy and drama that can surround a single moment in sports history.
The shirt's buyer remains a mystery, but its legacy lives on as a reminder of one of the most infamous moments in World Cup history.
Conclusion
The 'Hand of God' shirt is a piece of sports history that continues to fascinate and intrigue people around the world. Its significance and controversy are a reminder of the power of sports to capture our imaginations and inspire us.
The buyer of the shirt may remain anonymous, but the shirt's legacy lives on as a reminder of one of the most iconic moments in sports history.
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