FIFA: 'strongly rebukes' Maradona's criticism of referee

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FIFA says it "strongly rebukes" comments made by its ambassador Diego Maradona criticizing American referee Mark Geiger's handling of England's win against Colombia in the World Cup round of 16 game.

"Following comments made by Diego Armando Maradona in relation to yesterday's round of 16 game, Colombia v England, FIFA strongly rebukes the criticism of the performance of the match officials which it considers to have been positive in a tough and highly emotional match," a FIFA spokesperson said in a statement.

The 1986 World Cup winner said England's win was a "monumental robbery" after Gareth Southgate's men edged through a bad-tempered encounter on penalties on Tuesday.

Geiger awarded England a second-half penalty after midfielder Carlos Sanchez wrestled Harry Kane to the ground, but also punished an apparent headbutt by Colombia's Wilmar Barrios on Jordan Henderson with only a yellow card.

It's the third controversy involving the Argentinian great at the World Cup, which he has mostly attended as a VIP guest of FIFA.

Screenshot from Gary Lineker's Twitter account.

Besides, former England striker Gary Lineker soon reacted to Maradona's comments, saying that "The sheer effrontery from the fella who punched one in. You’ve got to hand it to him. "

Lineker laughed off Maradona's comments, referencing the Argentinian's infamous "Hand of God" goal against England in the 1986 quarter-finals.

(With inputs from AFP)