Diego Maradona's infamous 'Hand of God' goal has been voted the most controversial moment in World Cup history, according to a new poll. The Argentine forward knocked England out of the 1986 tournament by punching the ball into the net, and 43% of Brits say they will 'never forgive him' for it.
The survey of 2,000 football fans, commissioned by Samsung UK, also highlighted other moments that would have benefited from Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology. Frank Lampard's disallowed goal against Germany in 2010, where the ball clearly crossed the line, was cited by many, while Thierry Henry's unpunished handball against Ireland in a 2009 qualifier was chosen by 28%.
Nearly two-thirds of respondents (63%) believe VAR would have prevented most World Cup injustices. However, 48% feel the technology still needs improvement. Common criticisms include the delay in celebrating goals (28%) and VAR being used for subjective decisions rather than clear-cut calls like goal-line technology.
Other controversial moments recalled include Spain having two goals disallowed against South Korea in 2002 (19%) and Jurgen Klinsmann's dive in the 1990 final leading to a red card for Argentina's Monzón (21%). Some 19% also suspect Geoff Hurst's goal in the 1966 final might not have stood with VAR.
Former referee Dermot Gallagher, working with Samsung, said: 'As a proud Irish man, the most controversial decision for me has to be Thierry Henry's handball. With VAR and decent tech, the foul would have been called.' Samsung has offered to supply Neo QLED TVs to FIFA and the FA to enhance picture detail for VAR reviews.
