Next to the late Maradona's coffin, a 'thumbs up'... Funeral service worker appeals, "Received death threats"

[Image source = Twitter capture]

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Eun-young] Employees of the funeral company responsible for the funeral of Argentine football legend Diego Maradona have sparked public outrage by taking absurd "certification shots" next to the deceased's coffin. As the controversy grew, they apologized, claiming they were receiving death threats.

On the 27th (local time), according to Argentine local media Diario Clar?n and others, Claudio Fernandez, one of the three funeral company employees who took the "certification shots" in front of Maradona's body, revealed in a local radio interview that "I am receiving death threats. I ask for forgiveness."

On the 25th, Argentine football hero Diego Maradona passed away at the age of 60. When the deceased was laid to rest at the presidential palace Casa Rosada amid mourning, two somewhat absurd photos were released online, sparking controversy.

In the released photos, three men were standing next to the coffin containing the deceased's body, looking at the camera. The coffin lid was open, revealing the body, and the men were either giving thumbs-up or faintly smiling.

The absurd "certification shots" quickly spread on the internet, leading to strong public criticism.

Maradona's lawyer Matias Morla shared the social media account of one of the men in the photos on his own SNS, warning of legal action by stating, "I will not remain silent until he pays the price for this cruel act."

As the controversy intensified, the head of the funeral company, Matias Picon, stated, "The three men are not employees of our company. They were temporarily hired because the coffin chosen by Maradona's family was heavy and difficult to carry," and immediately dismissed them.

These employees were identified as 48-year-old Fernandez and his two sons. Fernandez promptly apologized.

He pleaded, "My face and name have been fully exposed, and I am receiving death threats from Maradona's fans. We were preparing to lift Maradona's body, but my immature son took a photo giving a thumbs-up. This action was not my intention. Please forgive us."

Meanwhile, Maradona, a national hero of Argentina, passed away from a heart attack on the 25th, just two weeks after being discharged following brain surgery earlier this month. The Argentine government declared a three-day mourning period and placed his body at the presidential palace Casa Rosada so that the public could pay their respects.