funeral worker who took selfie next to the open casket of Diego Maradona fired (pictures)

A funeral worker who took a selfie next to the open casket of Argentine football icon Diego Maradona has been fired.

The images, which were shared widely online, sparked international outrage including death threats according to foreign media reports. 

In one image, a man can be seen giving a thumbs-up to the camera with one hand, while the other appears to be touching the forehead of the late World Cup winner, who died of a heart attack at his home on Wednesday, aged 60.

He said he knew the footballer's family, and that it was not his intention to show any disrespect, and asked for everyone's forgiveness.

Thousands of fans lined the streets of the city to pay their respects to the football legend, sparking clashes after many were unable to get a glimpse of the coffin.

Only family members and close friends attended the burial, and Maradona was laid to rest next to the graves of his parents, Dalma and Diego.