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FootballMartinez’s “stupid” gestures criticized by Patrick Vieira
The Frenchman said on Saturday that Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez’s celebrations were “stupid” and tarnished Argentina’s victory in the World Cup final.
Emiliano Martinez was particularly illustrated during the trophy ceremony by inappropriate gestures.
AFP
Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira, himself a world champion with France in 1998, spoke at the press conference ahead of the Premier League meeting between London rivals Palace and Fulham.
“Some of the images I saw of the goalkeeper spoil a bit what Argentina achieved in the World Cup,” Vieira said.
“I don’t think they really needed that. Sometimes you can’t control the actions taken out of emotion. But it was a stupid move, I think, on Martinez’s part.”
Following Argentina’s victory over France in the World Cup final (3-3 following 4-2 on pens), the keeper was pictured making a rude gesture with the awarding Golden Glove trophy the best goalkeeper of the tournament. Then, in Buenos Aires, during the Albiceleste victory parade, we might see Martinez holding a doll whose face was covered with a photo of Kylian Mbappé, and once more having equivocal gestures.
Martinez will return to his club in Birmingham next week, where his manager Unai Emery has said he intends to speak to him regarding his controversial behavior.
Unai Emery will talk to him
“When you have a big emotion, sometimes it’s hard to control it,” Emery said. “I will speak to him next week regarding some celebrations, but I respect that he is currently in a national team shirt and when he is with us he will be our responsibility, so we can talk regarding it.”
France’s sports minister, Amélie Oudea-Casteran, was much more scathing regarding Martinez’s conduct. “I find it pitiful,” she said. “It’s just vulgar, inappropriate, really not up to the occasion. This Emiliano Martinez does not stand out. It’s rather pathetic.”
(AFP)
