Emi Martinez shock suspension sparks official response as 'disagreement' revealed

Emi Martinez just before slapping a camera following Argentina's defeat to Colombia
-Credit: (Image: @TyCSports/X)


The Argentine Football Association has made its stance clear on Emi Martinez’s suspension.

Martinez will miss Argentina's next two international games after the Aston Villa star was given a two-match ban by FIFA for "offensive behaviour".

The 32-year-old goalkeeper repeated his infamous celebrations from the 2022 World Cup shortly after Argentina defeated Chile on September 6. Martinez was given a replica Copa America trophy post-match - in recognition of Argentina's triumph this summer - before holding it up against his crotch.

READ | John McGinn Aston Villa injury update as Unai Emery hatches plan for return

READ | I hope I'm wrong but Aston Villa face two key stumbling blocks to UCL dream

Martinez also hit a camera with his gloves as a cameraman approached him on the pitch after the 2-1 defeat to Colombia on September 10. He will now miss World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Bolivia in October's international break.

A statement from the Argentine Football Association read: "Despite the defense made by the player and the Argentine Football Association, the Disciplinary Commission of the governing body of World Football made the following decision.

"Martinez is declared responsible for his offensive behaviour and his violation of the principles of fair play (Art. 13 CDF).

“It should be noted that the Argentine Football Association (AFA) expresses its absolute disagreement with the decision taken by the FIFA disciplinary committee."

Should Martinez have been banned? Tell us HERE