Why Emi Martinez wasn't sent off for Aston Villa vs Lille as little-known penalty rule explained

Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez managed to somehow escape a red card during his side's penalty shootout against Lille on Thursday night.

The Argentine had already received a yellow card during normal time in France for timewasting in the first half when he appeared to be given a second booking in the shootout itself.

Martinez saved the penalty of former Tottenham midfielder Nabil Bentaleb, diving away to parry the effort, before then gesturing to the home fans behind the goal.

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The World Cup winner then continued to celebrate his heroics, being warned by the referee. He tried to calm down the Lille supporters, once more asking them to calm down as the penalties went on, only to be shown another yellow card.

Villa captain Douglas Luiz then approached the official to discuss the incident. Martinez was deemed fine to continue though, to the shock of most.

Commentators on TNT Sport were stunned by his involvement in the shootout from then on, believing initially that Martinez had actually escaped punishment.

However, the true reason Martinez wasn't sent off is because yellow cards before penalties do not carry over. Players that have been shown a red card during the game cannot take part in the shootout.

Martinez went on to be a hero, saving another penalty to see Villa through to the semi-finals. He sprinted off after winning the game for Villa with another dramatic stop, running the full length of the pitch.

The enigmatic shot-stopper gave a shy dance after the game was won, seemingly waiting for confirmation that he hadn't stepped off his line in the process. Once the referee made it clear that all was over, the true celebrations began.