Refereeing errors in both the day’s matches on Sunday accentuated the call for the use of technology, but Maradona feels the referees should also show more concern when the best players in the world are at the receiving end of harsh tackles from rival defenders.
Asked for his take on the refereeing error that led to Carlos Tevez’s first goal, which left the Mexican contingent irate, Maradona shot back and said the Mexicans had no right to complain especially after the treatment meted out to Barcelona star Lionel Messi, who was tackled from behind by club teammate and Mexican captain Rafael Marquez minutes after the opening goal.
The 31-year-old defender escaped with a caution, something that didn’t go down well with Maradona.
“He (Mexico coach Javier Aguirre) would have felt the same way I do when Messi is playing and he gets kicked around, but the referee doesn’t act,” fumed Maradona.
“(The goal) looks like it was absolutely normal. Listen, today we just had (Mexico players receiving) cautions, but I know what it is like to be a good player like Messi and when you try to get the ball, you get kicked. As soon as Messi gets the ball, they want to kick him, it is a scandal,” bemoaned Maradona.
“Against England, Germany played well, because nobody was trying to kick them. I just want Messi to be respected, there is a limit to everything.”