World Cup – Patrick Vieira criticizes the “stupid” gestures of Martinez after the coronation of Argentina

Patrick Vieira felt on Saturday that Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez’s celebrations were “stupid” and tarnished Argentina’s victory in the World Cup final. The Crystal Palace manager, himself a world champion with France in 1998, spoke at the press conference ahead of the Premier League meeting between London rivals Palace and Fulham.

“Some of the images I saw of the goalkeeper spoil a bit what Argentina achieved in the World Cup,” Vieira said. “I don’t think they really needed that. Sometimes you can’t control actions taken out of emotion. But it was a stupid action, I think, on Martinez’s part,” he added.

Emery will crop his player

Following Argentina’s victory over France in the World Cup final (3-3 after 4-2 on pens), the goalkeeper was pictured making a rude gesture with the awarding Golden Glove trophy the best goalkeeper of the tournament. Then, in Buenos Aires, during the Albiceleste victory parade, we could see Martinez holding a doll whose face was covered with a photo of Kylian Mbappé, and again having equivocal gestures.

Martinez will return to his club in Birmingham next week, where his manager Unai Emery has said he intends to speak to him about his controversial behavior. “When you have a big emotion, sometimes it’s hard to control it,” said Emery. “I will speak to him next week about some celebrations, but I respect that he is currently in a national team shirt and when he is with us he will be our responsibility, so we can talk about it.”

France’s sports minister, Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, was much more scathing about Martinez’s conduct. “I find it pitiful”, she said. “It’s just vulgar, inappropriate, really not up to the occasion. This Emiliano Martinez does not stand out. It’s rather pathetic”.