Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez found himself at the centre of controversy again after the full-time whistle following the 0-0 draw between Aston Villa and Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday night, which has led newspapers in Italy to criticise the World Cup winner for ‘unsportsmanlike’ behaviour.
Martinez slammed for ‘unsurprising’ behaviour in Aston Villa 0-0 Juventus
Juventus held Villa to a 0–0 draw in the Midlands on Wednesday night, but the hosts had a late Morgan Rogers goal ruled after a foul on Juventus stopper Michele Di Gregorio.
Shortly afterwards, and after the full-time whistle had blown, Martinez could be seen approaching Di Gregorio, mocking and exaggerating the extent of the contact that led to the goal being ruled out.
Martinez was not having Di Gregorio's reaction to the goal… pic.twitter.com/HzQJug5Wjr
— Bianconeri Zone (@BianconeriZone) November 27, 2024
Turin-based outlet Tuttosport did not take too kindly to the Argentine’s gesture, claiming it was ‘unsurprising’ and showed his ‘tendency to go beyond the limits of sportsmanship’.
That’s because he exaggerated the contact from Carlos. Made a meal out of it to con the ref.
It’s probably because Martinez rear end was still puckered from that header that we scored but he “somehow” pulled out. It’s hard to think when all the blood rushed back to your head.