Mueez Ajao
– Patrick Vieira has criticised Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez for his celebrations after their World Cup final win over France.
– Martinez saved Kingsley Coman’s penalty in the shootout and threw the ball away before Aurelien Tchouameni dragged his spot-kick wide.
– Following the epic final, Martinez picked up the “Golden Glove” award for being the best goalkeeper at the 2022 World Cup but celebrated with a vulgar gesture.
Also Read: Villa boss Emery will speak to Martinez about World Cup celebrations
– The Aston Villa goalkeeper was also filmed mocking France star Kylian Mbappe in the dressing room and during the team’s return to Argentina for their open-top bus parade.
– France legend Vieira was asked about Martinez’s behaviour and said the player’s antics have overshadowed his great performances during the World Cup.
– “Some of the pictures I saw from the Argentinian goalkeeper, I think, take away a little bit what Argentina achieved at the World Cup,” the Crystal Palace manager said at news conference on Friday.
– “I don’t think they really needed that. You can’t control sometimes people’s emotional decisions. But that was a stupid decision, I think, from Martinez to do that. I was really disappointed.”
🎙️ "That was a stupid decision I think from Martinez."
🦅🇫🇷 Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira believes Emiliano Martinez's World Cup celebrations have 'taken away' from Argentina's achievements. pic.twitter.com/vUeh0q6ieT
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 24, 2022
– Villa manager Unai Emery said he will hold talks with Martinez about his behaviour ahead of the resumption of Premier League action.
– “When you feel great emotion, it’s difficult to control yourself. I will talk to him next week about some of his celebrations,” Emery said in a news conference on Friday.
– “I respect him there, he is in the national team. Then he will be with us and that will be our responsibility. We can talk about it,” he added.
– Martinez will miss Villa’s Premier League game against Liverpool on Monday as he remains in Argentina.