Argentina and Emiliano Martinez are in hot water for their controversial World Cup winning celebrations (Picture: Getty)
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery backed Emi Martinez after FIFA opened disciplinary proceedings against Argentina.
The world champions are in hot water following their celebrations after their final victory over France in Qatar.
Martinez was criticised for appearing to make a vulgar gesture with his Golden Glove award following Argentina’s penalty shoot-out win last month.
He was also filmed in the dressing room mocking France’s Kylian Mbappe, although FIFA has not named any individuals, with Argentina cited for potential misconduct of players and officials and offensive behaviour and violations of the principles of fair play.
A statement from the world governing body read: ‘The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has opened proceedings against the Argentinian Football Association due to potential breaches of articles 11 (Offensive behaviour and violations of the principles of fair play) and 12 (Misconduct of players and officials) of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, as well as of article 44 of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Regulations in conjunction with the Media and Marketing Regulations for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, during the Argentina v. France FIFA World Cup final.’
Emery admitted he was not aware of the nature of any disciplinary action but reiterated his pride in Martinez.
He said: ‘It’s two different moments. One moment is for the national team in the World Cup, the other one is here.
Emiliano Martinez was pictured holding a toy baby with a mask of Kylian Mbappe during the World Cup celebrations held in Buenos Aries
‘We have values and we try to be respectful, first with us, second with the opposing side and of course with the supporters.
‘Before, when we worked in London with Arsenal together, and here he’s a very good guy, respectful. He is very competitive, he came to London when he was 18 years old.
‘He has been playing here for 12 years, trying to get to his target which was massive. We have to be so, so proud of him here.
Emiliano Martinez was called a fool by Hugo Lloris for his World Cup antics (Picture: Getty)
‘Me? I am so, so proud of him.’
Martinez has been in splendid form since his return to Villa and played a crucial role in his side’s 2-1 win over Leeds United last night.
The 30-year-old hasn’t been affected by the criticism that has been aimed at him since his antics, which included throwing the ball away and attempting to unnerve Aurelien Tchouameni. who missed during an epic penalty shootout.
‘There are some things I can’t do. Making a fool of myself in goal, rattling my opponent and crossing the line… I just can’t do that,’ France captain Hugo Lloris told L’Equipe earlier this week.
‘I’m too rational and honest a man to go that way. I don’t know how to win like that, although I didn’t really want to lose like that either.
‘He was instrumental. Concerning his celebrations, he has been judged enough for that, no need to add anything more.
‘During the shoot-out, he used every trick in the books to destabilise us.’
MORE : Hugo Lloris slams Emi Martinez for ‘making a fool of himself’ during World Cup final
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The Argentina goalkeeper mocked Kylian Mbappe and angered France captain Hugo Lloris.
