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Tunisian referee Ali bin Nasir cries after showing journalists some photos with Maradona. Photo: AFP
Diego Maradona was world famous and criticized for scoring a handball goal in the 1986 World Cup against England. The latter was nicknamed the ‘Hand of God’ and his second goal of the match was considered the best goal of the century. Tunisian referee Ali bin Nasir, who assisted Maradona’s great second goal in that match, is very proud of the matter.
Argentina secured the semi-final by defeating England 2-1 in that World Cup quarterfinal match. Four minutes after the historic hand goal at the start of the second half, Maradona broke the English defense with a single effort from his own field and scored a goal to secure Argentina’s victory. Referee Ali bin Nasir, now 8 years old, recalls the memories of that day, admitting that he had no other choice. 
Referee Ali bin Nasir burst into tears at the Maradona show. Photo: AFP
When he met Maradona again in 2015, he presented the Tunisian with a signature shirt. Regarding the second goal, Bin Nasir told BBC Sport: “He took the ball forward from midfield. I was watching him closely. When someone refers to a player like Maradona, it becomes difficult to look away from him. Three times the English players tried to miss him but they couldn’t.
And he added: “Maradona knew how to score that goal by his indomitable will, which is only possible for him.” The moment I got to the area, I gave Maradona the lead, not the foul whistle. I repeatedly thought the defenders would drop it. He was even willing to sound the penalty whistle. But I was amazed at his ability to score goals. Being able to support Maradona in this historic goal is one of the proudest moments of my career. Had he caught a foul in the first three attempts, the world would have been deprived of seeing that extraordinary goal. 
Referee Ali bin Nasir shows reporters some moments of memories with Maradona. Photo: AFP
However, despite the controversial first goal, Bin Nasir called the Mexico City match the most memorable match of his career. On the first goal, Bin Nasir pointed a finger at assistant referee Bogdan Dochev of Bulgaria. Dochev saw that goal better. That is why Bin Nasir was a bit skeptical at first. Deutsche did not point to handball, so the goal decision had to be upheld. Dochev died in 2016 at the age of 80. He himself admitted that FIFA did not allow the assistant referee to discuss the decision with the referee who directed the match.
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