Maradona brushes off Butcher's 'Hand of God' jibes
Diego Maradona says he will "not lose any sleep" over Scotland assistant Terry Butcher's comments
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Tuesday, 18, Nov 2008 10:19
New Argentina boss Diego Maradona has played down the simmering war of words with Scotland assistant coach Terry Butcher over his infamous 'Hand of God' goal against England.
Butcher was part of the English side that was knocked out of the 1986 World Cup in Mexico after the diminutive Maradona scored with his hand past Peter Shilton.
And in his press conference yesterday, Butcher said he would "never forgive" the Argentinean for his actions that day.
In Maradona's conference prior to the friendly against Scotland - his first as Argentina manager - the former Napoli midfielder was told Butcher has said he will not shake his opposite number's hand.
But rather than rise to the bait, the 48-year-old said he was unaffected by the ex-England defender's comments.
"I'm not going to seek him out [to shake his hand] and I don't know why he is making these comments," Maradona said.
"I don't understand why Butcher would take that attitude. Let him get on with his life and I will get on with mine. I'm not going to lose any sleep over it.
"If he doesn't shake my hand I will still be alive tomorrow."
Maradona's side take on Scotland tomorrow night in front of an anticipated capacity crowd at Hampden Park - which was the scene for the Argentinean's first ever international goal as an 18-year-old in June 1979.