Diego Maradona was restrained by security staff as he confronted opposition fans in the stands on Thursday, angry at threats and abuse directed toward wives and girlfriends of his Al Wasl players.

Maradona called the Al Shabab fans “cowards” after they heckled the women during his team’s 2-0 loss.

The women were eventually escorted from the stadium by police. Local media reported no-one was hurt.

Maradona has been involved in several contentious incidents since signing a two-year contract with the United Arab Emirates club in May. He has had run-ins with rival coaches and seen his goalkeeper banned for 17 games for slapping an opposition coach.