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Tunisian referee Ali bin Nasir cries after showing journalists some photos with Maradona. Photo: AFP
Diego Maradona was world famous and criticized for scoring a handball goal in the 1986 World Cup against England. The latter was nicknamed the “Hand of God” and his second goal of the match was considered the best goal of the century. Tunisian referee Ali bin Nasir, who assisted behind Maradona’s great second goal in that match, is very proud of it.
Argentina secured the semi-final by beating England 2-1 in that World Cup quarter-final match. Four minutes after scoring a historic goal with the opening hand, Maradona broke the English defense with a single effort from his own half and scored a great goal to secure Argentina’s victory. Referee Ali bin Nasir, now 8, recalls the memories of that day, admitting he has no choice. 
Referee Ali bin Nasir broke into tears at Maradona’s show. Photo: AFP
When he met Maradona again in 2015, he gave the Tunisian a signed shirt. Regarding the second goal, Bin Nasir told BBC Sport: “He went ahead with the ball from midfield. I kept an eye on him. When someone refers to a player like Maradona, it becomes difficult to take your eyes off him. Three times the English players have tried to foul, but have not succeeded.
He added: “Maradona managed to score that goal thanks to his indomitable will, which only he is possible. The moment I reached the area, I gave Maradona the advantage, not the foul whistle. Over and over, I thought that the defenders would have dropped him. I was even ready to call the penalty. But I was amazed by his ability to score goals. To be able to support Maradona in this historic milestone is one of the proudest moments of my career. If I had caught a foul in the early days three attempts, the world would have been deprived of that extraordinary achievement. 
Referee Ali bin Nasir shows reporters some moments of memories with Maradona. Photo: AFP
However, despite the controversial first goal, Bin Nasir called the Mexico City match the most memorable match of his career. In the first goal, Bin Nasir pointed the finger at Bulgaria’s assistant referee Bogdan Dochev. Dochev saw that goal better. That’s why Bin Nasir was a bit skeptical at first. The decision to score the goal had to be confirmed as Deutsche did not report handball. Dochev died in 2016 at the age of 80. He himself admitted that FIFA did not allow the assistant referee to discuss the decision with the referee who led the match.
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