Premier League player handed two-game suspension for 'inappropriate gesture'

Argentina's Football Association has announced that FIFA has suspended Emiliano Martinez for two games.

The decision rules out the 32-year-old from two matches in the World Cup qualifying round-robin competition against Venezuela and Bolivia on October 10 and October 15.

The AFA said in a statement that FIFA’s disciplinary commission sanctioned Martinez due to incidents in two World Cup qualifying matches against Chile and Colombia earlier this month. The soccer body did not describe which incidents led to the punishment.

Martinez made an obscene gesture after his team’s 3-0 win against Chile by holding the Copa America trophy close to his genitals, as he did after the South American team lifted the World Cup title in Qatar in the end of 2022.

Later, he slapped a local cameraman after Argentina’s 2-1 defeat against Colombia in Barranquilla.

Argentina’s soccer body said it ‘absolutely disagrees’ with FIFA’s decision.

The world champons currently leads South American World Cup qualifying with 18 points after eight games, followed by Colombia (16) and Uruguay (15).

Martinez’s ban will come as a boost to Aston Villa, meanwhile with the former Arsenal star having played a key role in the fine start Unai Emery’s side have made to the new season.

Indeed, former Villa No.1 Nigel Spink, believes the 32-year-old is now among the best goalkeepers in the world.

Speaking to Betano, Spink said: ‘Emi Martínez is certainly in the top three best goalkeepers in the world, and I’d have him first. He’s got every attribute. He’s got that spark in his character but he’s also so calm and composed.

‘When you look at him, he must be such an imposing figure for strikers. He’s a great shot-stopper, he claims crosses, and his distribution is excellent. Thank you to Arsenal for letting him go!

‘His experience will be huge for Villa in the Champions League. If he’s as much of a leader off the pitch as he is on it, then he’ll be keeping a calm head and talking to the other players about his experiences.

‘Having that experience helps you and the team to be successful, and he’s got all the attributes to do that. I’m sure he’ll be there offering his advice to any player that needs it.’