Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez served a two-game ...
Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has been given a two-game suspension by FIFA for “offensive behaviour” in games against Chile and Colombia.
The Aston Villa goalkeeper has a history of celebrations deemed inappropriate, celebrating with the golden glove trophy after the 2022 World Cup final by holding it against his crotch. Martinez recreated the celebration with the Copa America trophy as Argentina paraded the trophy upon their return to Buenos Aires in a 3-0 win over Chile in a CONMEBOL 2026 World Cup qualifier.
Martinez then hit a local television camera in the following game, a 2-1 qualifier loss to Colombia – the nation Argentina defeated in the Copa America final less than two months beforehand.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) released a statement on Friday disagreeing with the ruling:
“Despite the defense made by the player and the Argentine Football Association, the Disciplinary Commission of the governing body of World Football made the following decision:
“Martinez is declared responsible for his offensive behaviour and his violation of the principles of fair play (art. 13 CDF).
“It should be noted that the Argentine Football Association expresses its absolute disagreement with the decision taken by the FIFA disciplinary committee,” the statement added.
The shot-stopper will now miss World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Bolivia during the next international break in October.
The suspension is a blow for Argentina who have capped Martinez 47 times since his international debut in 2021. The reigning world champions sit in first place in the CONMEBOL qualifying table with 18 points from six games and a nine point buffer from Paraguay in seventh place. The top six in the qualifying table all qualify automatically for the tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
The suspension will have no bearing on his club career at Aston Villa with the 32-year-old set to start as Unai Emery’s side travel to play promoted side Ipswich Town on Sunday.
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