Maradona on way home after ruckus in Rio

Diego Maradona was briefly detained at Rio de Janeiro's international airport yesterday after arguing with airline staff and breaking objects in the VIP room, police said.

Police held Maradona, 45, for several hours before releasing him.

Maradona, who has been plagued by health problems since he retired in 1997, had played a benefit game organised by ex-Brazilian star and current Japan coach Zico in Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday.

He arrived late at Tom Jobim International Airport for a flight back to Argentina and began arguing with staff of the TAM airline, police said.

"There was a problem with TAM staff, it turned nasty and the police were called. It got worse with the police and he was detained for resisting arrest," the spokesman said.

Police said that Maradona was released after agreeing to pay for damage caused when he flung objects around the VIP room. Police decided against testing him to see if he was intoxicated, police doctor Roger Ancelotti said.

An Argentine diplomat went to the airport to help resolve the matter.

Maradona had played for about 80 minutes in the benefit match, which pitted former stars against current professionals, delighting the crowd.

He is considered one of the greatest players of all time but since his retirement in 1997 he has been bedeviled by cocaine addiction, alcohol abuse and obesity.

Lately however he appeared to be on the mend after several years in and out of rehabilitation, including a spell in Cuba where he was befriended by President Fidel Castro.

Last month he made a surprise appearance in a friendly game before a Boca Juniors match, the club he played for as a youngster before going on to greater fame in Europe.