Argentina’s rugby stars appeared to join the mocking of England after their World Cup victory over their arch-rivals by wearing a kit paying homage to Diego Maradona’s 1986 team.
Players wore a jersey similar in colour to that of Argentina’s 1986 World Cup-winning side – made famous by Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ and superb solo goal in a win against England – for their Nations Championship clash in Santiago del Estero.
The Pumas’ limited edition kit has been created to mark the 40th anniversary of Argentina lifting their second World Cup.
‘With this tribute, the Argentine Rugby Union and Los Pumas celebrate that legacy and renew their commitment to representing Argentina with the same pride, passion, and dedication that distinguish our national teams,’ the Argentine Rugby Union said.
England’s rugby team had already been forced to switch hotels in Buenos Aires because of the chaos caused by Argentina’s World Cup victory.
Tens of thousands of fans gathered in the Plaza de la República on Wednesday night, celebrating their football team’s 2-1 win over England with a huge street party.
Argentina’s rugby stars wore a kit similar to the one worn by Diego Maradona’s team in 1986
The jersey was made famous by Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ en route to Argentina winning the 1986 World Cup
Argentina fans also displayed banners touting their country’s claim to the Falkland Islands
Flares and fireworks were set off throughout the night, with barricades erected outside England’s team hotel to provide additional security.
Steve Borthwick’s side were due to return to the same hotel on Sunday, but Argentina’s progression to the final means the area is braced for more chaos.
The contest between the two sides comes just days after Argentina broke English hearts in the World Cup semi-finals on Wednesday.
Argentine fans attending the Nations Championship match were also seen displaying banners touting their country’s claim to the Falkland Islands.
FIFA is exploring disciplinary action against Argentina after several members of the team lifted a sign declaring ‘Las Malvinas son Argentinas’ – the country’s term for the South Atlantic islands.
The banner triggered a fierce backlash in the UK, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer saying he supports calls for FIFA to open an investigation made by Business Secretary Peter Kyle.
FIFA’s rules forbid the use of any political messaging at the World Cup but have previously turned a blind eye to continued references to the 1982 conflict in a song sung by the players – and posted on social media by the country’s association – in the dressing room throughout the tournament.
