‘Embarrassing’ Emi Martinez blasted for gesture in front of official

Argentina team parade in Qatar after World Cup win

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Aston Villa star Emiliano Martinez has come under fire shortly after helping Argentina to victory in the World Cup final. The goalkeeper was awarded the Golden Glove award after the success but celebrated in a controversial manner.

Lionel Messi had Martinez to thank on Sunday night at the Lusail Iconic Stadium as his mind games and smart stops helped Argentina to victory in penalties over France (4-2). The shoot-out success was a fitting end to an unbelievable 120 minutes of football.

Argentina looked likely to ease to victory after goals from Messi and Angel Di Maria meant that they headed into the half-time break with a two-goal lead. However, Kylian Mbappe single-handedly dragged his nation back into contention with a quickfire brace in the 80th minute and 81st.

Messi appeared to have won the match for his side in extra time, but it was Mbappe who hit back once more from the penalty spot. Martinez then made his mark on the tie, pulling off a stunning save late on to deny Randal Kolo Muani before saving from Kingsley Coman from the penalty spot.

The performance was enough to see Martinez awarded the Golden Glove, and he celebrated by holding the hand-shaped trophy by his crotch and ‘pumping the air’. The 30-year-old was stood directly in front of a Qatari official when he celebrated, leading to the ex-Arsenal man being criticised.

One person tweeted: “It was very embarrassing for Team Argentina. The sportsman must be well-behaved.” Another added: “He may have talent, but class is a whole other thing.”

The New York Post labelled the gesture as ‘vulgar’, though there were many that saw the comical side of Martinez’s behaviour. One neutral commented: “He deserves to be silly, he did a great job!”

Martinez’s showman-like act was central to his success in the shootout, with many recognising that the Villa shot-stopper’s mind games were crucial. Before Aurelien Tchouameni blasted his penalty wide, Martinez rolled the ball away from the Real Madrid star, forcing the midfielder to collect the ball from outside of the box and potentially overthink what has set to ensue. The goalkeeper then broke into dance, only infuriating the France squad further.

After the match, Martinez explained: “I have no words for it. I was calm during the penalty shootout and everything went as we wanted. All that I have dreamed of has been achieved.”

It remains to be seen whether FIFA see Martinez’s Golden Glove celebration as a minor joke or decides that he should face repercussions.

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