Peter Shilton declares peace with Maradona over 1986 Hand of God goal

Former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton, now 76, publicly announced that he is putting the bitterness from Diego Maradona’s hand‑ball goal in the 1986 World Cup quarter‑final behind him. Shilton said, “It’s time to put the grudge behind me,” after meeting Argentine players while filming a documentary about the match.

The reconciliation took place on the pitch of Chelmsford FC, Shilton’s hometown club, in an event organized by Lynx, a sponsor of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. Shilton also reflected on modern technology, noting that VAR would have ruled the goal out, and offered his view on England’s chances in this year’s tournament, mentioning Harry Kane among the squad.

The story was reported across several European outlets in English, Slovene, German and Austrian media, all highlighting Shilton’s change of attitude toward the infamous “Hand of God” incident that sent England out of the 1986 tournament.