Al Wasl defends Maradona over fans clash

Al Wasl Football Company on Monday defended Diego Maradona after denouncing what it called "the harassment suffered by the family and guests" of its head coach. Management at the Dubai-based club blamed "a few irresponsible fans" for verbally abusing Maradona's wife and his guests, which led to the Argentine having to be restrained by security staff after confronting supporters. Abdullah Al-Bishr, acting CEO of Al Wasl Football Company, expressed his disappointment and sadness over what Maradona's family had to endure. He said what had happened during the match against Al Shabab was "totally unacceptable and was bad for football in the UAE". He added: "Any such abuse is unacceptable but it is even more offensive when it offends women. Our cultural guidelines frown on such behaviour that shook everyone in the stadium or who watched what happened on television. That is why the incident garnered such global attention." The scene was posted on YouTube, and showed a riled Maradona jostling with opposition fans before he was escorted back to the dressing rooms by police. Al-Bishr also said that Al Wasl Football Company found Maradona's behaviour "understandable". "We offer our sincere apologies to Maradona for what took place on behalf of the few who offended UAE culture by their actions. This is a society, which by its very nature, does not insult women by cursing and harassing, but is brought up to treat them with respect," he added.