Argentina star goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is under the spotlight after a video of him doing a lewd gesture with the Golden Glove award became viral on the internet. Now, the 30-year-old Aston Villa goalkeeper has revealed that his shocking gesture was in response to France supporters booing him. The goalkeeper told Argentine radio station La Red, via AS: ‘I did it because the French booed me. Pride does not work with me.’
Martinez made a lewd gesture on FIFA World Cup presentation podium with the Golden Glove, causing a stir on social media. Fans on social media slammed the Aston Villa goalkeeper for making such a gesture, considering the occasion.
Watch the viral video
Martinez was involved in another controversial incident after the match got over. The Paris Saint-Germain star mocked France striker Kylian Mbappe as his dream hat-trick in the final went in vain. Messi and Mbappe scored one goal each in extra time to keep scores tied 3-3 so that the match could be decided in the penalty shootout. Argentina won the penalty shootout 4-2 to clinch their 3rd FIFA World Cup title.
Goalkeeper Emi Martinez asked for a minute of silence for Kylian Mbappe during his team celebration inside their dressing room.
A twitter handle by the name @Football_Tweet tweeted a video with the caption: "Emiliano Martinez asking for a minute of silence for Kylian Mbappé in the middle of Argentina's dressing room celebrations.."
Notably, Argentina have won more penalty shootouts than any nation in World Cup history, with this their sixth such triumph.