Glenn Hoddle has taken responsibility for the controversial circumstances surrounding Diego Maradona’s "Hand of God" goal during the 1986 World Cup quarter-final between England and Argentina. The match, held at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, saw Argentina secure a 2-1 victory in a game remembered for two of the sport’s most iconic moments.

Maradona’s opening goal was struck with his hand, an infraction unseen by Tunisian referee Ali Bin Nasser and his officiating team. The goal stood despite the blatant handball, giving Argentina an early advantage. Shortly thereafter, Maradona scored a remarkable solo goal, dribbling past multiple English players from his own half before rounding goalkeeper Peter Shilton to score. However, Hoddle highlighted an overlooked aspect of this second goal, pointing to a foul on himself by Argentine midfielder Sergio Batista that went unpunished.

Reflecting on the incident, Hoddle admitted he failed to react adequately at the time. “It’s my fault it was allowed to stand,” said the former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder, now 68. “I thought it was a foul, I was fouled but I didn’t realise he was going to go and do what he did. I never really related the two things, that I was fouled at the beginning.”

He recalled being reminded years later of the foul and reviewing footage that showed Batista’s tackle clearly merited a booking. “I should have dived on the floor, shouldn’t I? And rolled around a few times,” Hoddle said, noting how the high altitude and intense conditions of the match affected his perception and reaction. “It’s weird how the mind works, especially when you’re at altitude and it’s 100 degrees.”

The match remains a standout chapter in World Cup history, emblematic of both the brilliance and controversy that surrounded Maradona’s performance. Hoddle’s candid reflections add a new perspective to the enduring debate over the refereeing decisions that shaped the outcome.