Crystal Palace supervisor Patrick Vieira believes Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez’s “stupid” celebrations have tarnished Argentina’s World Cup ultimate win.
Martinez was a key determine in Argentina’s victory over France.
He made a wonderful save to disclaim Randal Kolo Muani in extra-time after which denied Kingsley Coman within the shoot-out in Qatar as Argentina gained an exhilarating ultimate.
But the keeper was then seen making a crude gesture after profitable the golden glove trophy for the perfect goalkeeper on the event.
Then, throughout Argentina’s victory parade in Buenos Aires, he was seen holding a child doll with its face lined by {a photograph} of France star striker Kylian Mbappe, who scored a hat-trick within the ultimate however nonetheless completed on the shedding aspect.
Vieira, a World Cup winner with France in 1998, was unimpressed by Martinez’s antics.
“Some of the pictures I saw from the Argentinian goalkeeper, I think, take away a little bit what Argentina achieved at the World Cup,” mentioned Vieira a pre-match press convention forward of Palace’s Premier League match in opposition to London rivals Fulham.
“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,” he added.
Martinez will return to Birmingham subsequent week, with Villa supervisor Unai Emery intending to speak to the 30-year-old about his controversial behaviour.
“When you have big emotion, sometimes it is difficult to control it,” Emery mentioned.
“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.”
French sports activities minister Amelie Oudea-Casteran was scathing about Martinez’s conduct, saying: “I find it pitiful.
“It’s just vulgar, inappropriate, really not up to the occasion. This Emiliano Martinez is not distinguishing himself. It is rather pathetic.”