Messi fined for on-field tribute to Maradona

Barcelona star Lionel Messi has been fined for his tribute to the late Diego Maradona during Sunday’s win over Osasuna.

The Spanish soccer federation’s competition committee fined Messi €780, according to Reuters, after he lifted his shirt and revealed Maradona’s old Newell’s Old Boys shirt to celebrate a goal. Messi was subsequently shown a yellow card for the gesture.

Barcelona failed to have the punishment waived, protesting that Messi was trying to honor Maradona, who died last week at the age of 60.

However, rules state players will be disciplined for removing their tops regardless of the motive.

Messi will pay €600 of the fine while Barca are responsible for the rest.

Both Messi and Maradona played at Newell’s Old Boys, with the Barcelona star beginning his storied career at the Argentine club when he was six-years-old. Maradona enjoyed a spell at the Rosario-based team near the tail-end of his career.