Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Maradona back on respirator

Mark Burton
Sunday 25 April 2004 00:00 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Diego Maradona, who led Argentina to World Cup success in 1986, was back on an artificial respirator yesterday as his treatment for heart and lung problems continued to make slow progress.

Diego Maradona, who led Argentina to World Cup success in 1986, was back on an artificial respirator yesterday as his treatment for heart and lung problems continued to make slow progress.

Maradona has been in intensive care for nearly a week and had a breathing tube removed some days ago. Putting it back did not mark any "worsening" of his health, according to a daily medical statement from his hospital in Buenos Aires. It was simply designed to assist him with his breathing. The 43-year-old former player remains in "guarded condition", the statement said, adding his recovery would be "slow and laborious".

Doctors are treating the troubled Argentinian idol with drugs for a heart inflammation and antibiotics for a lung infection. It was rumoured when he was admitted to hospital that Maradona, who has a history of cocaine use, had taken a drug overdose, but that was vehemently denied by doctors treating him.

The Football Association have told the referee Graham Poll that he will face no disciplinary sanctions over his "diver" allegations against Manchester United's England full-back Gary Neville. Poll's comments annoyed Neville who said on Tuesday that he was now a marked man. "Graham Poll didn't upset me but once one referee has said something, the others will take note," said the England full-back after his side's 2-0 win over Charlton in which he was yellow-carded by Steve Dunn.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in