Dejected Soccer Fan Scratches Argentine Coach's Name On Parked Cars After Loss

Police believe a frustrated soccer fan was responsible for vandalizing a row of cars on Smith Street Saturday night, etching the word "Diego" onto the vehicles after Argentina's World Cup exit.

Officers received calls from a few puzzled motorists at 9 a.m. the next morning, on July 4. When police arrived to take the reports, they found more cars with the same name scratched into hoods and side panels -- for a total of 10 damaged vehicles, Lt. James Ladeairous said.

Police believe the name refers to Diego Maradona -- the polarizing and oft-quoted coach who led Argentina's national team to a series of lopsided World Cup victories until a stunning 4-0 defeat at the hands of Germany on Saturday.

Port Chester's downtown has been especially lively since the start of the World Cup, with fans of Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and the U.S. -- among other teams -- packing into local eateries and drinking establishments for live games. The downtown district has seen its share of national pride, as well as rowdy post-game celebrations, but police say the impromptu parties have been orderly for the most part.

Ladeairous said some of the cars were lightly damaged, while others had deep scratches etched into the paint and will likely require more than a few passes with a buffer to remove the Argentinian coach's name.