Diego Maradona Responds to Video Allegations That He Hit Ex-Fiancee Rocio Oliva
Argentina football legend Diego Maradona has responded to emerging video allegations that he struck ex-fiancee Rocio Oliva.
In the 30-second clip, originally aired by Argentine TV program Nosotros al Mediodia of Canal 13TV (via Jamie Uribarri of the New York Daily News), Maradona appears to throw a phone in the direction of Oliva—who is filming the incident on her phone. He then approaches her before the video quickly cuts out.
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According to Uribarri’s piece, the Argentine’s former fiancee can be heard saying “Stop! Stop! Stop hitting me.”
The clip can be seen here. Note before watching that the content is graphic.
Naturally, the former Napoli and Barcelona forward has received a bombardment of criticism following the emergence of the video. But speaking with Argentine journalist Marina Calabro (via Uribarri), the 53-year-old claimed he only threw the phone:
"Yes, I threw the phone but I swear to God that I have never raised my hand against a women.
The episode started and ended like that. I admit to throwing the phone, but nothing else.
"
The former Argentina forward is revered as one of the very best footballers to grace the game, the finest moment of his glittering career coming at the 1986 World Cup, when he fired his country to glory. But while his genial footballing ability is beyond rebuke, Maradona has always been a controversial figure both on and off the field.
He scored the infamous “Hand of God” goal against England during the Albiceleste’s run to the final in 1986, but in an incident of a much more serious nature, he was caught using drugs and subsequently banned from the 1994 World Cup in the United States, per Paul Greengrass and Toby Follett of The Independent.
The former forward showcased his volatile tendencies earlier this year when he was filmed slapping a journalist after it was claimed the reporter winked at his girlfriend Veronica Ojeda, per The Telegraph.
It’s just one of a scattering of sour incidents since he hung up his boots, and in recent years he’s threatened to shoot and run over members of the press. He also told a press conference to “s--k it” after he was on the receiving end of public criticism, all according to Uribarri.
Since his retirement from the game, Maradona has taken up a host of managerial positions, but he has been unable to establish himself as a quality boss with Primera Division outfit Racing Club, United Arab Emirates side Al-Wasl or in his two-year stint with the Argentina national team.
A man of his experience has so much to offer the game of football, and in the future hopefully we'll see him in the news for the right reasons rather than being forced to deny what are extremely serious allegations.
