UEFA SLAPS ONE-MATCH SUSPENSION TO EMI MARTINEZ AFTER PENALTY SHOOT-OUT HEROICS IN CONFERENCE LEAGUE

UEFA has officially announced their ruling concerning Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. In Thursday night's match, Villa endured a tense encounter against Lille in the Europa Conference League, ultimately leading to a penalty shootout. Despite receiving a yellow card during the shootout, Martinez was not subsequently shown a red card, despite having been booked earlier in normal time.

The decision for Martinez to remain on the pitch caused significant confusion initially. However, it was clarified later that according to the laws of the game, yellow cards are reset at the beginning of a penalty shootout, allowing Martinez to continue playing. Martinez then emerged as the hero of the night, saving Lille's fifth penalty and securing victory for his team.

Following the match, focus shifted to Martinez's availability for Aston Villa's upcoming semi-final first leg clash against Greek side Olympiacos.

According to a report by Mail Sport journalist Tom Collomosse, UEFA has reached a decision regarding the matter.

Reflecting on his yellow cards post-match, the Villa player remarked, “I just got a bad reputation for time wasting because the other goalie was doing exactly the same thing and I get booked after 30 minutes. You know, we were losing the game, I don’t know what the ref wants from me.”

Martinez further expressed his frustration, stating, “And then, there was no ball on the penalty spot and I ask for a ball from the ball boy and then I get booked. I just don’t understand the rules.”

When questioned about Martinez, manager Unai Emery remarked, “He is very important for us. He has his personality and his personality in the dressing room is very important because he is a leader with his experiences. He has a really brilliant mentality.”

''And then on the pitch he has his personality and he played fantastic. He saved two penalty shots so of course I am very proud of him. I am very proud of all the players'', Emery further added.

2024-04-19T16:43:27Z dg43tfdfdgfd