Argentine journalists have come out in support of Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez after demands he face a lengthy ban, as reported by Infobae.
Earlier this month, the 32-year-old started in La Albiceleste’s defeat against Colombia in the World Cup qualifiers.
After the tie, the Aston Villa star appeared to attack a camera. Olé blamed that on the cameraman getting too close to Martínez.
The Colombian Association of Sports Journalists then went public and, wanting FIFA to step in and sanction the stopper for his actions.
Argentine journalist Pablo Giralt is of the belief that those asking for a 20-game ban for the Aston Villa man are going way too far. At the same time, he has also criticised the Copa América winner.
“I don’t like it when a worker is attacked. Now, from there to start a hunt, that he must be sanctioned, that he must be given 20 games, no, it’s not appropriate. What is appropriate is for Dibu to apologise to the worker and that is it,” he said, as quoted by Infobae.
Another Argentine journalist, Martin Liberman, has slammed the Colombian Association of Sports Journalists for demanding Martínez be suspended.
“It’s one thing to pursue justice, Mr. cameraman, gentlemen of the Colombian press, you know the affection I have for you and how fair I am, but I think you are abusing this, I think you are going too far,” Liberman told El Futbolero Argentina, relayed by Infobae.
Since that incident, the World Cup winner has played two matches for Aston Villa; a 3-2 win over Everton and a comfortable 3-0 win over Young Boys in the Champions League.
