Ref tells of being shot at and watching Maradona bloom


Memorable moment: A photo of George Joseph and a young Diego Maradona which the latter then signed. — Picture courtesy of Football Association of Malaysia.

PETALING JAYA: Most referees have seen many attacking moves and shots at goals. But Malaysian Datuk George Joseph can talk about a brutal attack on him by fans after a game. And he can vividly remember the day gun-toting men fired shots at him and his friend in Baghdad.

He is also a referee who officiated a match where Diego Maradona – then an 18-year old upstart – left everyone impressed.

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