The shirt from the famous ‘hand of God’ game is supposedly going on auction
The family of Diego Maradona have claimed that a shirt worn by the legendary footballer set to go on auction is not the real version.
Auction house Sotheby’s have advertised the shirt worn by Maradona during Argentina’s 2-1 win against England in the 1986 World Cup – when Maradona scored two goals (including that ‘Hand of God’ incident) as being up for sale.
Is there a more famous piece of footballing memorabilia out there?
The shirt worn by Diego Maradona when he scored his infamous 'hand of God' goal against England in the '86 World Cup is up for grabs as it goes up for auction at Sotherby's on 20 April!
Whoever wants this p… pic.twitter.com/DOVMMRW9Md
— Springchat (@SpringchatApp) April 6, 2022
Maradona’s says she knows who has the real shirt
However, Diego’s daughter Dalma told Argentine radio that the shirt going on auction is not the official one, despite the auction house expecting it to fetch in the region of €4m.
Former England midfielder Steve Hodge is said to be the current owner of the official shirt after he exchanged his with Maradona following the defeat to Argentina.
But his daughter Dalma has claimed that the shirt owned by Hodge was the one her father wore in the first half, rather than the second. She also added that she knows who owns the shirt Maradona wore in the second half, but she didn’t want to reveal who it was.
“I’m sure Hodge doesn’t have it, and I know who does,” she said, as per Ruetir.
“I don’t want to say who has it, because that’s crazy.”
Maradona’s ex-wife wants the shirt to be auctioned for a good cause
Meanwhile Sotheby’s have said that they have taken measures to ensure that the shirt on auction is legitimate, however Maradona’s ex-wife Claudia Villafane has been left unimpressed with their claims.
“It’s our word against that ex-player’s,” she said.
“I don’t think he needs the money either, unless he auctions it off for a good cause.
“It would be good if the Argentine Football Association bought it.”
The auction is set to begin on April 20 and run through until May 4.
Sotheby’s response
Sotheby’s however responded to the claims on Thursday insisting that they have evidence to prove that they have correctly listed Maradona’s shirt on their website.
A spokeswoman for the auction house said: “There was indeed a different shirt worn by Maradona in the first half, but there are clear differences between that and what was worn during the goals.
“Prior to putting this shirt for sale, we did extensive diligence and scientific research on the item to make sure it was the shirt worn by Maradona in the second half for the two goals.
“Sotheby’s worked with Resolution Photomatching in order to match the shirt to both goals examining unique details on various elements of the item, including the patch, stripes, and numbering.
“Resolution Photomatching was able to make a conclusive photomatch to the celebration following ‘The Hand of God’ goal.
“Resolution Photomatching did determine that Maradona switched shirts during the match, but that Maradona did wear this shirt for both historic goals in the second half of the match.”
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