Female player receives death threats after protesting Maradona tribute

A player from Spain's third tier of women's football says she received death threats after refusing to participate in a pre-match tribute to Diego Maradona as a protest against domestic violence.

Paula Dapena, a midfielder for Viajes Interrias FF, was seated and facing away from teammates and members of opponents Deportivo Abanca paying respect to the Argentine icon on Saturday, according to Reuters.

"I'm not willing to give a domestic abuser a minute's silence and not the victims," the 24-year-old told A Diario radio.

Maradona was accused of domestic abuse after a video surfaced in 2014 that showed him appearing to strike his then-girlfriend during an argument.

Maradona denied the allegations, saying, "I grabbed the phone, but I swear to God that I have never hit a woman." No charges were laid.

"We were giving a minute's silence to someone who committed domestic violence," Dapena said. "For me, that's something that my feminist ideals can't allow: a tribute to Maradona ... For me, he was an incredible player, but as a person, he left a lot to be desired."

Dapena says she and other Viajes Interrias players received death threats on social media for her refusal to participate in the tribute, but she also received messages of support.

Maradona died Wednesday aged 60 at his home on the outskirts of Buenos Aires after suffering a heart attack. Nov. 25 was also the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.