Colombia were robbed in World Cup defeat to England, claims Maradona

Argentina legend Diego Maradona, claimed that Colombia were victims of a “monumental robbery” in their World Cup last 16 defeat to England on Tuesday.

The 57-year-old had voiced his suport for Colombia after Argentina were eliminated by France and was even pictured waring the Yellow jersey on social media.

Colombia’s hopes however deterred the 3-4 defeat to England in the penalty-shootouts and Maradona echoed captain Radamel Falcao in accusing referee Mark Geiger of favouring the ‘Three Lions.’

Jose Pekerman’s side received six bookings compared to England’s two in a tumultuous match but Maradona feels that Colombia were robbed and questioned the decision of FIFA referee chief Pierluigi Collina to appoint American Geiger as the match referee.

“I saw a monumental theft on the pitch. I apologise to all the Colombian people, but the players are not to blame for this,” said the former Argentina international.

“Here is a gentleman [Collina] who is the one who decides to choose a referee by just googling him. He cannot be put in to referee a match of this magnitude.”

He was particularly skeptical of Geiger’s decision to award a spot-kick to England when Kane was dragged to ground by Carlos Sanchez. Colombia though equalised through a Yerry Mina header in the 93rd minute.

But the legend denounced, “The penalty was not a penalty — it was a foul by Kane. The rules allow for VAR assistance, yes or no? Why did he not ask for the VAR? It is not possible.”

Also Read: World Cup 2018: England overcome penalty voodoo; defeat Colombia 4-3 on shootouts

Maradona, who scored the famous ‘Hand of God’ goal that knocked England out the World Cup in 1986 which Argentina won, however agreed that Colombia missed the services of James Rodriguez, who was left out because of an injury.

“England couldn’t find a way in, Colombia played how it could, with what it had, without James, without a creator,” he said.

“But I screamed Colombia’s goal as though I had been the one to head that ball because it’s not possible, you have to denounce this. As the captain of legends, I have to tell Infantino this cannot be left like this,” he added.

“This is a fatal mistake for a whole country, who had lots of hopes of their team and feel let down.”