Lionel Messi was fined 600 euros for taking off his shirt in tribute to
Diego Maradona, according to the Spanish Football Association.
The Federation’s Competitions Committee fined the Argentine player
for his behavior after scoring a goal in favor of Barcelona, who won 4-0
against Osasuna in the Spanish League on Sunday.
After a kick from outside the penalty area, Messi took off the Barcelona
shirt to reveal Maradona’s shirt under it. Then Messi sent a kiss with his
two hands to the sky as he looked up.
After the match, Messi posted a picture of his greeting next to an old photo
of Maradona wearing the same shirt, and wrote “Goodbye Diego,” in Spanish.
Maradona died last week at the age of sixty.
The federation also refused to cancel the warning given to Messi for taking off
his shirt, and fined his club Barcelona 180 euros.
Messi and the club can appeal the decisions.
