‘Stupid’: Emi Martinez condemned by Patrick Vieira over World Cup celebrations
Martinez was instrumental in Argentina’s penalty shootout victory over France in one of the all-time great World Cup finals
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira believes Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez’s “stupid” celebrations have taken some of the sheen off Argentina’s World Cup win.
Martinez was instrumental in Argentina’s penalty shootout victory over France in one of the all-time great World Cup finals last weekend, but he has raised eyebrows with some of his actions afterwards.
He appeared to make a vulgar gesture with his Golden Glove award at the trophy presentation and has also repeatedly derided France striker Kylian Mbappe, who scored a hat-trick in the Lusail showpiece.
Vieira, a World Cup winner with France in 1998, feels what he has seen from Martinez has put a dampener on Argentina’s success.
“Some of the pictures I saw from the Argentinian goalkeeper, I think, take away a little bit what Argentina achieved at the World Cup,” Vieira said at Palace’s pre-match press conference.
“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.”
Argentina claimed their third global title, with Martinez saving Kingsley Coman’s penalty in the 4-2 shootout victory after a pulsating final had finished 3-3.
In the dressing room afterwards, Martinez called for a minute’s silence for Mbappe and received further criticism for celebrations in Buenos Aires when he held aloft a doll bearing the Frenchman’s face.
Martinez will return to the midlands next week, with Villa boss Unai Emery intending to have a discussion with the 30-year-old about some of his controversial antics.
“When you have big emotion, sometimes it is difficult to control it,” Emery said.
“I will speak to him next week about some celebrations but I respect that he is now under the national team and when he will be with us, he is our responsibility then we can speak about it.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments