Maradona criticised for smoking

Dubai - Argentine legend Diego Maradona has been scathingly criticised for appearing in a photo while smoking the shisha, or water pipe, in a coffee shop in Dubai.

The photo, posted on websites and downloaded on cell phones, sparked concern among fans that the footballing legend may have relapsed to his "old, bad habits."

Some fans warned that "smoking the shisha may develop into more dangerous habits."

Local football fans have been struck by what they considered bizarre tattoos on Maradona's body. They have also noticed that he wears two wristwatches.

Officials at Al Wasl, the team he is coaching, told curious fans the Argentine icon was so fond of his family that he had their names tattooed on his arms. The two watches are meant to help him keep track of the local times in the United Arab Emirates and Argentina.

"I prepare to bring in my family to live with me in Dubai," Maradona recently told reporters.

He added that he would also bring his grandchild Benjamin to Dubai on several visits to spend as much time as possible with him.

In May, Maradona signed a two-year contract to coach the Emirati Al Wasl club, which is chaired by Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the brother of Dubai's ruler.

Criticised over his club's latest loss in two local matches, Maradona said: "He who fears about seeing Al Wasal losing, should stay at home and stop seeing soccer. He should watch a comedy instead," commented Maradona.