The day Maradona got Barcelona brawling
For context: When Andoni Goikoetxea broke Diego Maradona’s ankle in 1983, it gave the Argentinian plenty of time to think as he plotted his revenge on the Butcher of Bilbao. Maradona returned after months out before Barcelona’s Copa del Rey final with Athletic Bilbao at the Santiago Bernabéu in 1984. The incident at the San Mamés the previous September meant relations were at a low between the two clubs. The matter was not helped by the game being played at Real Madrid, an organisation detested by both sets of supporters, especially in the Franco era. Before kick-off, the Basques and Catalans booed the national anthem,showing their disdain for the Spanish state. A mutual hatred did aid the atmosphere as regional flags were waved fervently behind the metal fencing surrounding the pitch. The atmosphere also did not help at all as tempers fled. Barca were chasing the game and frustration only grew more and more. Barcelona frantically chased an equaliser but could not find one against a resolute Athletic defence and Andoni Zubizarreta in goal. As the final whistle blew Maradona was squaring up to José María Núñez, forehead-to-forehead with his opponent. In the stands Athletic fans rocked the stadium as they celebrated winning the double; the metal fences were ripped down and the substitutes and coaches ran on to the pitch to join in the merriment. For Maradona it was a moment he had not envisaged – he thought he would gain his retribution in this clash against a team he now hated but instead he had put his body on the line and earned nothing as a reward. The anger and frustration that had grown within him and his teammates over the 90 minutes was released at full time – he immediately attacked the Athletic players. Maradona’s first victim was unused substitute Miguel Ángel Sola who in full tracksuit was knocked to the floor then kneed in the face by a jumping Maradona, leaving the Basque unconscious on the turf. By this point everyone was involved in the melee across the pitch. Maradona and Schuster were the main protagonists for Barcelona, kung-fu kicking anything in red and white, while Athletic players interrupted their celebrations to retaliate. Meanwhile, Sola was scooped up and carried from the pitch on a stretcher. Riot police were called in to escort the Barcelona players off the pitch, officers using their shields to repel the missiles being thrown from the Athletic fans. Maradona, shirt ripped, remained in the centre circle until security personnel ushered him away. The trophy was lifted by the Athletic captain, Dani, after he made his way up to collect it from the king. He then took it back to the chaotic scenes on the pitch where the players were finally allowed to enjoy their triumph. It was the end for Maradona and Barcelona. He was sold that summer to Napoli, a move seen as a better option than staying to serve out a three-month ban he was handed for his role in the violence. The incident was a sign of his temperamental nature and what was in store for the rest of his career.
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