'Justice for Diego': Argentines march seeking answers over Maradona's death

ALEJANDRO PAGNI / AFP

Argentines took to the streets to demand what they say is justice for Diego Maradona after the football icon's death in November sparked investigations into how he died.

"He did not die, they killed him!," the organisers of the demonstration said in materials sent out on social media prior to the march. "Justice for Diego. Trial and punishment of the guilty."

The march kicked off at the emblematic Obelisco monument in central Buenos Aires, where protesters waved flags and sang songs in homage to Maradona, choking the streets around rush hour in the country's capital.

Maradona's ex-wife, Claudia Villafane, and two of his daughters, Dalma and Gianinna, led the early evening rally, with signs calling for social and legal justice in the case.

Maradona, a World Cup winner with Argentina, who is regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time, attained almost godlike status in his home country despite long battles with drug and alcohol addiction and poor health.

A medical board, at the request of the justice department, met on Monday to analyse Maradona's death. The idol, who won the 1986 World Cup, had serious health problems and was recovering from brain surgery when he died in the suburbs of Buenos Aires.

Investigators are looking at whether members of Maradona's medical team did not adequately treat the former footballer, who played for teams around the world including Napoli, Barcelona and Boca Juniors.

More from Sports

  • Wimbledon to introduce video review technology

    Wimbledon will introduce video review technology this year that will allow players to challenge judgement calls made by the chair umpire, the Grand Slam's organisers said on Saturday.

  • Sabalenka defeats Ann Li at rain-hit Miami Open

    World number one and newly crowned Indian Wells champion Aryna Sabalenka has survived a stern battle against her American opponent, grinding out a 7-6(5) 6-4 victory to reach the third round.

  • Draper, Ruud knocked out at rain-hit Miami Open

    Britain's Jack Draper has suffered a surprise defeat to American Reilly Opelka in the second round of the Miami Open on Friday, while Ethan Quinn claimed the biggest win of his career by upsetting 11th seed Casper Ruud.

  • Alisson ruled out of Brazil squad due to injury

    Alisson will miss Brazil’s international friendlies against France and Croatia next week after the goalkeeper was ruled out with an injury, the Brazilian Football Federation said on Friday.

  • Maguire sees red as Man Utd held to draw at Bournemouth

    Manchester United defender Harry Maguire was shown a red card for conceding the penalty that led to Bournemouth grabbing a 2-2 Premier League draw at the Vitality Stadium on Friday, the home side twice coming from behind to secure a point.