Diego Maradona treated by medics after celebrating Argentina’s World Cup winner against Nigeria with two-fingered gesture

Diego Maradona has been criticised for his two-fingered celebration as Argentina scored the goal that sent them through to the World Cup knock-out stages.

The legendary footballer was caught on camera celebrating wildly as his country took the lead against Nigeria with just minutes to spare.

He was also later checked over by medical staff after appearing to be unsteady following the match.

Argentine media reported he was treated for low blood pressure at the stadium before leaving normally, but there have also been reports he was taken to hospital.

Footage broadcast by the BBC showed him jumping and shouting moments earlier before appearing to swear at Nigerian supporters in the stands below.

Eagle-eyed football fans were quick to point out Maradona’s “special” celebration during the game, despite the cameras quickly cutting away.

“And that’s why you don’t show Maradona no matter how good he was in his prime,” wrote BBC World Cup presenter Dan Walker on Twitter.

Many labelled the 1986 World Cup winner's reaction as "despicable" and said it should not be shown during live coverage of football matches.

In the studio, presenter Gary Lineker said the Argentine great was "in danger of becoming a laughing stock".

Nigerian fans in particular labelled the celebration "disgusting" and said he was "not a gracious winner".

Comedian David Baddiel compared the incident to Maradona's infamous 'Hand of God' goal against England in the 1986 World Cup quarter final, tweeting: "Maradona offends with his hands again at a World Cup."

Nigeria were poised to qualify for the last 16 until Marcos Rojo volleyed in the winning goal on 86 minutes, after a Victor Moses penalty had cancelled out Lionel Messi's early goal.

A video published widely in Argentinian media appeared to show Maradona being helped away from his seat after match finished.

He appeared to be unsteady and was taken to a seat in a hospitality suite, pictures posted on social media showed.

Argentinian newspaper Clarin showed pictures of Maradona being attended to by medical staff.

Another Argentinian newspaper, La Nacion, reported that Maradona was able to walk normally and leave the stadium minutes later.

The Argentine website of sports broadcaster ESPN said Maradona was taken to hospital. But other Argentine media described the incident as only a scare.

A spokesman for World Cup organisers FIFA said Maradona had left the stadium but could not provide further comment.