He whistled stars such as Ruud Gullit, Marco van Basten or Manuel Neuer. However, one name ranks former international judge Ivan Grégr above all others: the name of Diego Maradona, after which he even had a tongue left from the Argentine’s football. One of the best footballers in history died at the age of sixty on Wednesday.
Ivan Grégr has a total of 61 international matches to his credit, but the one from May 22, 1990 will be remembered forever. As a line referee, he was delegated to the Israel-Argentina friendly match hosted by the capital, Tel Aviv.
For Grégr, it would be a normal international match, if Diego Armando Maradona did not run to the Ramat Gan Stadium in a blue-and-white jersey. Together with the demigod in football boots, who had to be protected from his own fans by security guards, he stood on one lawn for the first time – and also for the last time.
“Only the aura of uniqueness that surrounded him was very impressive. Maradona did not fly to the match with the team at the time, but with his own jet. He also had the cabin in the stadium only for himself. He boarded together with the team, but there were two his bodyguards, “recalls Grégr, 78, today.
The Argentine magician from Lanús was at the peak of his popularity at the time. Wherever he went, he made a fuss and the madness of the masses, no different in Tel Aviv. It didn’t matter if they were Argentinian or Israeli fans: everyone wanted to at least touch Maradona. After all, the organizers in colorful vests circled around him like a holy icon.
And not just them. “When there was no play, I tried to get as close to him as possible, at least to look at him, I do not deny it. But it did not work. I hoped that at least he would shake hands with the referees, but we did not get to him at all,” regrets Grégr.
He did not greet Maradona personally, but he was left with a valuable artifact. At one point in the match, the Argentine captain adjusted his side at the side line, which apparently pushed him – and ripped out his tongue, which he threw behind the line. Not far from the place where Ivan Grégr stood with a flag in his hand.
“Such prey! I didn’t hesitate for a second – and shit, I had it in my pocket. Since then, I boast everywhere that I have Maradon’s tongue in the display case at home,” he smiles.
The whole match was actually a one man show of a little Argentine. Maradona conducted gestures and shouts to his teammates, and forty-five thousand enthusiastic fans staged emotional gestures after each successful handle or event. He even scored the leading goal in the 35th minute.
“He didn’t look downright arrogant, more like a man who is exceptional and knows very well about himself. It radiated that he had everything under control. But it must be added that this is exactly how everyone around him treated him, literally pampering him, “describes one of the best Czech judges in history.
The only thing that greeted Gregra unpleasantly was Maradon’s character. Only 167 centimeters tall, Diego looked even smaller among Argentina’s tall firefighters, and then a noticeable “tray” began to appear under his jersey. However, he was also over thirty, and the tumultuous life must have left a mark on him.
“I have to say, I imagined him taller. At first glance, he reminded me of an overgrown, stocky child. But it was still beautiful to watch him. It was as if he was born with a ball at his feet. magnet, he was able to deceive with his body, he connected both legs… This is what he was able to gain an advantage over his opponents, “adds Ivan Grégr.
Follow Diego Maradona ‘s career since 1971 | Video: Reuters
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