A funeral worker who took a photo next to the open coffin of Argentine football icon Diego Maradona has asked fans for forgiveness.

Claudio Fernández was pictured standing next to Maradona's body, alongside his son, who made a thumbs-up gesture. A third man appeared in his own photo.

Maradona died at his home in Tigre, near Buenos Aires, on Wednesday.

The images surfaced online as Maradona's body lay in repose at the presidential palace, provoking outrage.

The footballer's lawyer, Matías Morla, has vowed to take action against "the scoundrel" responsible for the photos.

Mr Fernandez told Radio 10 on Friday that the decision to take the photo was "something instantaneous".

"My son, like every kid, raised his thumb and they took the photo," he said. "I know that many people have been offended, they have taken it badly."

Mr Fernández said he had received death threats.

"They say they are going to kill us, break our heads," he told the radio station.