Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has been handed a two-match ban by FIFA for “offensive behaviour” during Argentina’s recent World Cup qualifiers. The suspension stems from incidents in matches against Chile and Colombia earlier this month, part of the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
Martinez’s conduct first came under scrutiny following Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Chile on 6 September. After the match, which was Argentina’s first since their Copa America win in the United States in July, Martinez recreated his controversial 2022 World Cup celebrations by holding a replica Copa America trophy against his crotch.
Just a few days later, on 10 September, Martinez found himself in more trouble when he hit a camera with his gloves after a 2-1 loss to Colombia, reacting to a cameraman who had approached him on the pitch.
Despite the Argentina Football Association voicing its disagreement with FIFA’s decision, it acknowledged Martinez’s responsibility for his actions. As a result, the goalkeeper will miss Argentina’s upcoming qualifiers against Venezuela and Bolivia in October.
Martinez, who won the Golden Glove award for best goalkeeper at the 2022 World Cup, sparked controversy after the tournament by holding the trophy near his groin during the award ceremony.
SOURCE: BBC
MORE NEWS ON: https://dew360.net
Join our WhatsApp channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakDz4u9RZATWh53yC1a
