Who is Butcher? Maradona has final laugh at former England captain Terry

By Sportsmail Reporter Updated: 08:44 EST, 20 November 2008


With concerns over his pregnant daughter, new Argentina manager Diego Maradona failed to celebrate Maxi  Rodriguez's beautifully-worked opener against Scotland at  Hampden Park but he couldn't resist one last dig at Terry Butcher.

The Argentinian legend drew his only smile of the day from a question concerning Scotland assistant manager Butcher. 

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Argentina's team head coach Diego Maradona (left) shouts at his players from the touchline next to Scotland assistant coach Terry Butcher

Old enemies: Argentina's team head coach Diego Maradona (left) shouts at his players from the touchline next to Scotland assistant coach Terry Butcher

Argentina's Maxi Rodriguez (centre) gestures to his dugout after scoring

Thumbs up: Argentina's Maxi Rodriguez (centre) gestures to the dugout after scoring the game's only goal

Prior to the game, the former England skipper had been outspoken in his criticism of Maradona's infamous 'Hand of God' goal at the Mexico World Cup quarter-final in 1986 - and much intrigue surrounded the likelihood of the two burying the hatchet and shaking hands.

In the end, Scotland boss George Burley hugged Maradona warmly, while the Englishman ignored the chance to heal old wounds.

And that caused the legendary figure to deadpan: 'Who is Butcher? I am asking you: "Who is Butcher?" I greeted the manager of Scotland but who is Butcher?'

Pulling a face, Maradona, preoccupied by the pregnancy complications being suffered by his daughter, Giannina, in Spain, added soberly: 'Since all this bad news about my daughter, that's the first time I have managed to have a laugh.'

Scots boss Burley, meanwhile, believes that last night's defeat - watched by just 32,492 fans - will stand his team in good stead for their next World Cup qualifier with Holland in March.

Winger Kris Commons emerged with credit as the Scots avoided a thrashing but they largely failed to threaten in a disappointingly flat affair, which saw a 12-year winless run in friendlies continue at the national stadium.

'Holland are in the top 10 in the world and it's great to pit your wits against the best in the world and I'm sure the fans enjoy seeing these teams,' said Burley, for whom captain Barry Ferguson made his first appearance following ankle surgery.