Soccer-Maradona says feels mistreated and persecuted

MADRID, Nov 14 (Reuters) - Argentina coach Diego Maradona feels mistreated and persecuted but says he is focusing on his job, family and the support of "ordinary people".

Maradona, who will appear before a FIFA disciplinary committee in Zurich on Sunday over his foul-mouthed rant after last month's World Cup qualifier in Uruguay, told Spain's Marca newspaper that many people were out to get him.

"Much worse things have been said and there are people who do terrible things in soccer...," the paper quoted Maradona as saying in an interview conducted in Madrid on Wednesday.

"I am taking refuge in my team, my family, my daughters and in ordinary people from the street," added the 49-year-old.

"Lest nobody forget, people in Argentina, from the street, are showing me a lot of affection, they greet me and love me just like always.

"And I am focusing on that, on the people without microphones, not on what the media says."

Maradona could be sidelined from matches in next year's finals in South Africa if FIFA decide to hand down a stadium ban for his outburst at the end of the 1-0 win that guaranteed Argentina a place at the tournament.

Maradona rounded on his critics immediately after the final whistle in Montevideo, unleashing a stream of invective when interviewed on the touchline and another outburst in a post-match media conference broadcast live on several television networks.

FIFA President Sepp Blatter announced two days later that disciplinary proceedings would be opened.