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Diego Maradona has apologised to Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) over his criticism of referee Mark Geiger following England’s World Cup penalty shoot-out win over Colombia in the round of 16 on Tuesday.
Referee Mark Geiger was slammed by the outspoken Argentina legend, who has now admitted he went too far in his criticisms
According to Diego, the referee, Mark Geiger was unfair with Colombia
The Argentina icon – who has rarely been out of the headlines during Russia 2018 – claimed Colombia were victims of a “monumental theft” and laid into the performance of the officials.
England had been awarded a second-half penalty for a foul by Carlos Sanchez on Harry Kane – a decision that drew the particular ire of Maradona.
FIFA responded and described the 57-year-old’s comments as “entirely inappropriate and completely unfounded”.
But Maradona has now moved to make peace with world football’s governing body by stressing that he simply got carried away in the moment.
“Taken by the thrill of cheering for Colombia the other day, I said a few things and, I admit, some of them are unacceptable,” he wrote on Instagram. “My apologies to FIFA and its president.
“However much that sometimes I may have opinions contrary to some refereeing decisions, I have absolute respect for the work – not easy – that the institution and the referees do.”, he said
Colombia captain Radamel Falcao also accused Geiger of bias, calling the American’s performance “shameful”.
Geiger often struggled to control a feisty encounter in Moscow, which England won on penalties
The referee disturbed us a lot, in the 50-50 plays, he always made the calls in favour of England,” said Falcao. “He didn’t act with the same criteria for both teams. When in doubt, he always went to the England side.
However, the legend, Diego Maradona realized that his words towards the referee was inappropriate, therefore, he apologizes to FIFA.