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Maradona fined for abusing rival

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Diego Maradona has been fined 9,000 dirham [£1,600] by the United Arab Emirates Football Association for verbally abusing a rival coach. Maradona, head coach of Al Wasl in the UAE, made remarks about Al Ain coach Cosmin Olaroiu after losing a fiery match 1-0 in November. The Argentinian complained that Olaroiu celebrated his side's winning goal in an unprofessional manner, labelling the manager "quite rude ... he should learn some manners". Olaroiu responded by referring to Maradona's previous substance abuse issues and also took aim at his dress sense. "Maradona doesn't always have a clear mind because of his life," Olaroiu said. "I don't take drugs. My life is clear. Who is Maradona as a coach? He should respect his work and should never come to matches by wearing short pants." The UAE FA disciplinary committee dismissed a separate complaint filed by Al Wasl, which accused Al Ain fans of throwing stones at its supporters after the match. Al Ain executive Carlo Nohra said Maradona's punishment was justified and that his club were now satisfied. "We are happy a decision has been taken in this case," Nohra said. "This was never really about Maradona but curbing coaches behavior toward one another. We all felt this behavior should have been picked up by the league anyway." Since arriving in the Emirates, Maradona has been the subject of much controversy after claiming referees have been biased against Al Wasl, and the Argentine was also involved in a physical altercation with a club supporter during a photo shoot.

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