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Maradona 'Hand of God' ref 'doesn't care' what anyone thinks about selling match ball

The referee who missed Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' has stood by his decision to sell the match ball despite former England stars hitting out at his 'cash grab' from his infamous mistake

Ali Bin Nasser is selling the match ball
Ali Bin Nasser is selling the match ball(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

The referee who missed Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal has insisted he's still selling the ball despite criticism from England.


Ali Bin Nasser, 78, was the man in the middle as Maradona infamously jumped above Peter Shilton to punch the ball into the net for Argentina against England when the two arch rivals clashed at the 1986 World Cup. Bin Nasser kept the Adidas Azteca after he blew the full-time whistle - and he stashed it in a cupboard.


Bin Nasser told The Sun: “I’m still selling it. I don’t care what you think.” Before he added: "You should not be coming to my house. Go away. The company is responsible for me and the ball. I’ve signed a contract and can’t talk to anyone.”


READ MORE: Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' ball up for auction and expected to make staggering amount

The Tunisian referee claimed he hoped the ball from the quarter-final tie, which Argentina won 2-1, would end up in England because it's the home of football.

However, Bin Nasser's decision to cash in on the ball hasn't been met with a wave of enthusiasm from these shores. Gary Lineker, who played that day, said: "How the hell did the referee end up with the ball? I’m so thrilled he’ll cash in on his cock-up."

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It's estimated the ball could fetch up to as much as £3million when it's put up for auction next month.

What do you think of the referee selling the ball? Let us know in the comments section

Sport, Football, 1986 Football World Cup, Mexico, Quarter Final, Argentina 2 v England 1, 22nd June, 1986, Argentina's Diego Maradona scores 1st goal with his Hand of God, past England goalkeeper Peter Shilton
Ali Bin Nasser missed Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God'(Image: Bob Thomas Sports Photography via Getty Images)

Maradona's shirt from the famous game was sold at auction earlier this year - and it fetched an eye-watering, and record-setting, £7.1million.

Steve Hodge had swapped shirts with Maradona after the game and after loaning it to the National Football Museum he decided it was time to sell - the buyer has not been identified.

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