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Maradona death: Clashes in Buenos Aires as public viewing of coffin cut short for early burial

Fans grew impatient during the day at not being able to visit their hero's casket as it lay in state in Buenos Aires.

Maradona was buried near the graves of his parents
Image: Maradona was buried next to the graves of his parents
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Diego Maradona's funeral sparked clashes in Argentina after thousands of fans were unable to get a glimpse of his coffin.

Tens of thousands managed to pay their respects on Thursday as his body lay in state in Buenos Aires, before viewing was cut short at 6pm by the family, who wanted his body taken for burial.

The football icon aged 60 on Wednesday.

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Maradona mourners clash with riot police
Fans cheer and shout to pay tribute during the burial ceremony of Argentine football legend Diego Maradona
Image: Fans cheered and chanted to pay tribute to the football legend

Fans had gathered across the city, adorned in flags and football strips and singing songs, in the hope of being able to pay their respects.

However, people became impatient at being unable to see the casket and threw bottles, bricks and metal fencing at police, who responded with tear gas and rubber bullets.

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA - NOVEMBER 26: Police officers try to set a barricade next to the fence of Casa Rosada as riots start and fans attempt to climb over during Diego Maradona's funeral on November 26, 2020 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Maradona died of a heart attack at his home on Thursday 25 aged 60 . He is considered among the best footballers in history and lead his national team to the World Cup in 1986. President of Argentina Alberto Fernandez declared three days of national mourning. (Photo by Federico Peretti/Getty Images)
Image: Fans scaled the fence outside the presidential mansion
BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA - NOVEMBER 26: Police clash with fans of Diego Maradona after  during Diego Maradona's funeral on November 26, 2020 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Maradona died of a heart attack at his home on Thursday 25 aged 60 . He is considered among the best footballers in history and lead his national team to the World Cup in 1986. President of Argentina Alberto Fernandez declared three days of national mourning. (Photo by Jam Media/Getty Images)
Image: Riot police were confronted with impatient fans

As a result, organisers opted to cut public viewing short and the casket was driven to a cemetery outside the capital, followed by hundreds of vehicles.

Only family members and close friends attended, and the footballing legend was buried next to the graves of his parents, Dalma and Diego.

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Tens of thousands line streets for Maradona's coffin
Diego Maradona kisses the World Cup after Argentina beat  West Germany in 1986
Image: Maradona led the country to the 1986 World Cup

Fans had been waiting for hours to see the casket during public viewing hours, which began at 6.15am.

Family members - including his ex-wives and daughters - all paid their respects early on Thursday, with his teammates from the 1986 World Cup winning squad also visiting.

Other footballers from across Argentina also attended, including former Manchester United player Carlos Tevez.

President Alberto Fernandez laid an Argentinos Juniors shirt on the casket - the team where Maradona began his career.

Diego Maradona: A genius yes, but 'incredibly complicated' too
Diego Maradona: A genius yes, but 'incredibly complicated' too

The first member of the public to view the casket was Nahuel de Lima, 30, who said: "He made Argentina be recognised all over the world, who speaks of Maradona also speaks of Argentina.

"Diego is the people... Today the shirts, the political flags don't matter. We came to say goodbye to a great that gave us a lot of joy."