Actor Ray Winstone said he would have chopped off Diego Maradona's arm during the infamous "Hand of God" goal.

Winstone's comments highlight the enduring frustration and national trauma associated with England's near-misses in the World Cup. The remark comes as the sporting world reflects on one of the most controversial moments in football history.

Winstone spoke on June 22, 2026 [1], marking the anniversary of the original match. The event took place on June 22, 1986 [2], when Maradona used his hand to score against England, a move that remains a focal point of sporting debate.

During the interview, Winstone addressed how the goal fits into a larger pattern of disappointment for the English national team. "England have had close calls to winning the World Cup, and the Hand of God is a big part of that story," Winstone said [2].

Beyond the 1986 controversy, Winstone used the discussion to touch upon his connection to West Ham United and the general trajectory of England's World Cup history. He framed the Maradona incident not just as a single game, but as a symbol of the obstacles England has faced on the global stage.

The actor's blunt assessment of the goal reflects the visceral reaction many English fans still hold decades later. By referencing the physical act of the handball, Winstone emphasized the perceived injustice of the goal that helped propel Argentina toward victory in the tournament.

“"I'd have chopped Maradona's arm off"”

Winstone's comments underscore the cultural longevity of the 'Hand of God' in British identity. By framing the event as a pivotal 'close call,' he reinforces the narrative of England as a perennial underdog or victim of circumstance in international tournaments, maintaining the event's relevance forty years after it occurred.