Celtic star Alexandro Bernabei has been unwittingly caught up in a bizarre international row between an Argentinian government minister and a British diplomat about the Falkland Islands.
The full-back became the first-ever Argentinian to score for Celtic when he netted a stunner for the Hoops in injury time at Ross County in a 2-0 win.
The news created headlines in the South American country with the 22-year-old who signed in a £3.75 million move from Lanus last year being widely praised.
He was hailed by Argentinian government minister Guillermo Carmona, who is the Secretary of Malvinas Affairs in the Argentine Foreign Ministry.
In 1982, Argentina invaded and occupied the Falkland Islands - Islas Malvinas in Spanish - and the UK launched a naval task force that eventually secured victory after 74 days.
Last month though, Argentina pulled out of a deal with the UK about the Falklands' sovereignty and demanded new talks as tensions escalated.
Argentinian minister Carmona went onto social media to praise Bernabei's goal and was particularly impressed Celtic fans chanted 'Argentina' after the goal.
He stated: "What an emotion I feel to hear "Argentina, Argentina' in Scotland chanted by fans. Our compatriot Alexandro Bernabei, a Celtic player, made it possible with a magnificent goal.
"And what else to say it on an occasion like this except the Falkland Islands are Argentine."
However, that drew an outraged response from Mark Kent, who was the UK ambassador to Argentina until last year, who warned him: "Don't mix sport with politics.
"In the UK and in Scotland we love the Argentine players and we show our appreciation. We honour Falklands veterans on both sides, You are a shameless populist politician."
But that prompted a furious reply from the Argentinian government official, who responded: "When your country respects international law, sits at the negotiating table to comply with UN resolutions and ends the shame of colonialism, I may even consider your sports advice.
"If you think that I am a “populist politician” for linking football with the Malvinas, know this - the absolute majority of Argentines do that."
