The linesman responsible for one of the most controversial moments in football – Diego Maradona’s iconic ‘Hand of God’ goal against England – Bogdan Dorchev, has died.
According to an announcement by the Bulgarian Football Union, Dorchev, who was capped by Bulgaria on two occasions before taking up refereeing, passed away at the age of 80.
He earned a reputation as one of his country’s finest whistle-blowers and took charge of the 1983 UEFA Cup final first leg between Benfica and Anderlecht, but his failure to raise the flag against Maradona haunted him throughout his retirement, Goal writes.
A 49-year-old Dorchev was running the touchline in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final when the Argentina captain leapt for glory and lifted the ball over goalkeeper Peter Shilton with his hand.
Diego Maradona leaps for glory in 86. Image: Goal
Despite furious protests from the England team, Dochev opted to keep his flag down, before Maradona netted his virtuoso ‘Goal of the Century’ on the way to a 2-1 victory for the Albieceleste.
Both Dorchev and Tunisian referee Ali Bin Nasser became synonymous with the goal, as match footage from 1986 shows Nasser looking at his colleague as Maradona celebrated his strike, with the flag staying down the entire time.
Relive the controversial goal by El Pibe below.
Referee Bin Nasser has revelled in his infamy, meeting with Maradona during a trip to Tunisia in 2015, but the Bulgarian later turned against Maradona for his actions.
“Diego Maradona has ruined my life,” said the late Bogdan Dorchev, who unlike Nasser declined the opportunity to meet with El Pibe de Oro in person.
“He is a brilliant footballer but a small man. [The goal] scarred me for life, I was accused when I was not guilty.”
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