Emiliano Martínez ‘hurting’ after what has happened to Aston Villa goalkeeper
Noel Egan believes Emiliano Martínez will be “hurting” after the Aston Villa goalkeeper was handed a two-match ban by FIFA.
The ex-FIFA official feels as though the 32-year-old deserves to be punished.
As reported by BBC Sport (28 September), Martinez will miss Argentina’s next two games after he was banned by FIFA for “offensive behaviour”.
It comes after he held a replica Copa America trophy against his crotch following the 3-0 win over Chile (6 September), before hitting a camera with his gloves after the 2-1 defeat to Colombia (10 September).
Following these antics, ex-Villa scout Bryan King has told the goalkeeper to “grow up”.
And Egan – speaking exclusively to Villa News – agrees that the Argentine was out of order.
“Is anybody surprised?” he said.
“On the first occasion, after what he did in the World Cup celebrations, he probably got a slap on the wrist. However, FIFA stepped in this time and punished him.
“What will be hurting Martinez more than anything isn’t what people say about him, it is the fact he won’t be able to represent his country. I do love him, and I do think he is the best goalkeeper in the world, I really do.
“However, he deserves this punishment. He crossed a line once, he got pulled up on it. He has now crossed a line again and been punished. Therefore, I think FIFA is right with this one.”
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez to miss the next two matches for Argentina
Martínez is incredibly passionate about his role representing Argentina. Therefore, he will no doubt be hurt that he isn’t able to represent his nation during October.
However, that will serve as a reminder to him to act appropriately in the future.
As for Unai Emery, the Villa boss will just be happy he doesn’t need to worry about Martínez picking up an injury this month.
In other Aston Villa news, a behind-the-scenes claim has been made after “dazzling” transfer speculation.
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