Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Maradona shrugs off Butcher snub

INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY : Scotland v Argentina
Venue: Hampden Park Date: Wednesday, 19 November Kick-off: 2000GMT Coverage: BBC Radio Scotland, BBC Sport website. Highlights on Sportscene, BBC One Scotland 2255GMT


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News conference - Argentina coach Diego Maradona

New Argentina boss Diego Maradona will not lose any sleep if Terry Butcher refuses to shake his hand at Hampden.

Scotland assistant Butcher said he will never forgive Maradona for the infamous "Hand of God" goal which helped knock England out of the 1986 World Cup.

"No, I will not seek him out," Maradona said. "I don't understand why Butcher has this attitude.

"England won a World Cup with a goal that never crossed the line, so it's not fair that people should judge me."

Maradona has received a warm welcome in Scotland as he prepares for his first game in charge of the national team.

However, former England captain Butcher was not in the mood to join in with the adulation for one of the game's greatest players.

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"If people are fine with me, I'll greet them," added Maradona.

"Let Butcher get on with his life and I'll get on with my life.

"I'm not going to lose any sleep over it. If Butcher doesn't shake my hand, I'll still be alive tomorrow."

Maradona scored his first international goal at Hampden in a 3-1 win in 1979 and the Argentine legend has fond memories of Glasgow.

His virtuoso performance won him many fans in Scotland, while his role in eliminating England from the World Cup in Mexico may have added to his list of admirers north of the border.

"I am very much aware of how popular I am and it's great to think I've made them very happy," said Maradona when asked about his relationship with Scottish supporters.

"If I get the chance to make them happy again, that would be marvellous.

Butcher bears 'hand of God' grudge

"It's something that was very special to me. It was nice to start my international career and get my first goal here.

"What I want to do in terms of repaying them is hopefully put on a good spectacle.

"I feel great. I feel very good. I'm very happy to be back in Scotland after so long away.

"It's a very, very proud moment for me to be heading up the Argentina national side."

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