Diego Maradona has branded Al Shabab fans “cowards” following an incident during Al Wasl’s 2-0 defeat to the team.

Trouble flared as the Al Shabab supporters allegedly began to abuse the Al Wasl WAGs after getting into a bit of an argument with a group seated in the VIP area which included Maradona’s partner, Veronica Ojeda, and Juan Mercier’s girlfriend.

According to reports the disagreement may have been sparked by some unsporting play from Al Shabab’s Brazilian striker Ciel who scored and provided an assist on the day.

As the argument became more heated Mercier and Maradona, never one to shy away from a confrontation, climbed into the stands and remonstrated with the perpetrators before the police moved in.

In the ensuing mêlée, Mercier’s girlfriend tripped and fell down the stairs before being rescued by her beloved Juan.

Al Wasl coach Diego Maradona told Gulf News:

“Some people are cowards. They only attack women and have no courage to confront men. This is the first time I am upset with the fans. If they are angry with me they should know that I did it [climbed the stands] for my wife because someone was calling her names. They shouldn’t be angry with me they should be angry with the people who did this. They are cowards, not real fans.

“I accept defeat but I am not happy with what happened against the fans tonight. Any fans upset by this should know that I was only there to defend my wife and I am only against the people who were directly insulting my wife.”

Al Wasl currently lie 5th in the UAE Pro League and their charismatic coach has been in good form recently, even performing a touchline roly-poly during the last home game.