The lead lawyers in the trial over Diego Maradona’s death came close to a physical altercation on Tuesday in an incident that forced judges to suspend the hearing and warn they could remove them from the proceedings.
The confrontation erupted during the testimony of a witness in the trial of the medical team responsible for Maradona’s care during the home hospitalisation that preceded his death in 2020.
The hearing was temporarily suspended and the rival lawyers continued their confrontation outside the courtroom. Standing face-to-face just inches apart and surrounded by lawyers, police officers and journalists, the pair traded insults.
“I’m right here. What are you going to do?” Fernando Burlando, who represents two of Maradona’s daughters, shouted at Francisco Oneto, counsel for the principal defendant.
“You f***ing clown,” an enraged Oneto shot back.
“You’re an idiot,” Burlando replied.
One of the prosecutors and a police officer intervened, managing to pull Oneto around 10 metres away before the confrontation turned physical.
The dispute had begun inside the courtroom when Burlando mocked Oneto during an exchange between the two lawyers.
‘People shout at you everywhere, even at your own house,’ Burlando said.
‘What do you know about what happens in my house? Show some respect. Say that to me outside,’ Oneto replied, springing to his feet and walking towards his colleague’s desk.
The bitter rivalry between the two lawyers has been a recurring feature of the trial, which began in April and is expected to continue until at least the end of August.
Maradona died aged 60 at a house in Tigre, north of Buenos Aires, on November 25, 2020, from pulmonary oedema and cardiorespiratory arrest while recovering from brain surgery.
The trial, taking place in nearby San Isidro, is examining whether the former footballer received appropriate care from the seven members of his medical team, who are charged with homicide with possible intent, a legal classification alleging they knew their actions or omissions could result in the former footballer’s death.
All seven defendants have pleaded not guilty.
– TIMES/AFP
