Diego Maradona had to be restrained after he clashed with former Manchester United star Juan Sebastian Veron in a charity football match promoted by Pope Francis in Rome.
Maradona. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The 55-year-old Argentine legend was involved in a minor clash with compatriot Veron and Maradona had to be held back by a security guard as they walked off the field at halftime.
Veron played under Maradona for the Argentina national team between 2008-10, but the pair exchanged verbals during the Match for Peace game in Rome and the situation soon became heated.
The proceeds from the game at the Olympic stadium go to children in Argentina and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as victims of the earthquake that rocked central Italy in August.
"People had fun, we're happy," Maradona said.
"We will continue playing for peace in the world and for the children. Thank you, Italy."
Taking part in the contest alongside other greats were active players that included Francesco Totti, Bojan Krkic, Diego Perotti and Nicolas Burdisso.
Totti paired with Maradona on the front line of the Blue Team, while Frederic Kanoute and Ronaldinho spearheaded the White Team attack.
Maradona played all 90 minutes, assisting on a goal by Totti.
The more than 20,000 fans cheered and serenaded the former Napoli superstar and Argentine international throughout the match.
The White Team prevailed 4-3 on goals by Kanoute, Krkic, Hernan Crespo and Fernando Cavenaghi. Burdisso and Antonio Di Natale scored the other goals for the Blue side.
-aap
