Football

FIFA suspends Argentina goalkeeper Martinez for two games

September 28, 2024 11:46 am

Argentina's Emiliano Martinez celebrates with the Copa America's trophy after the match [Source: Reuters]

Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has been handed a two-match suspension by FIFA for “offensive behaviour,” according to a statement from the Argentine Football Association on Friday.

The Aston Villa shot-stopper will miss Argentina’s upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Bolivia in October.

The suspension follows incidents in Argentina’s recent matches against Chile and Colombia.

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In the game against Chile, which marked Martinez’s first appearance since winning the Copa America, he made a lewd gesture with the trophy—similar to his controversial celebration after Argentina’s 2022 World Cup victory in Qatar.

After Argentina’s defeat to Colombia, the 32-year-old also struck a local television camera, leading to further disciplinary action.