Football in Argentina streets tend to look completely deserted as everyone is watching the match. After the victories in 1978 FIFA World Cup and 1986 FIFA World Cup, streets were flooded with people celebrating the championship, making it impossible not to become part of the celebration. It was in 1986 when the figure of Diego Maradona exploded, becoming an icon not only of Argentine football but of football itself. In Argentina, Maradona became something resemblant of a god (see Maradonian Church), admired by fans of every club (even River Plate). Argentine fans are not allowed to travel to see their teams in away
The hand of God so, since once the match was over it could not be changed. In early 2008, "The Sun" newspaper published an article in which they implied that Maradona, during a visit to England, had apologized for what is described as "the infamous goal of The Hand of God". The newspaper, first of all, cites the phrase in this form:but later repeats the same quotation by adding the word "apologize" which did not appear in the first one, despite being the same sentence:And complete the idea:Before Maradona denied the fact, several world media outlets raised the news, creating controversy in public opinion.