Emiliano Martinez apologizes after being handed a FIFA ban for a slap

Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez will serve a two-match FIFA ban and will miss Argentina's crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying games in October.

Martinez was sanctioned by the game's governing body over two separate incidents relating to his post-match behavior towards Lionel Scaloni's reigning world champion.

The experienced centre-back will now remain in the UK as the La Albiceleste squad gathers for a training camp in the coming days.

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Why is Emiliano Martinez suspended for Argentina?

Martinez was involved in a bizarre incident following Argentina's 2-1 defeat in Colombia in September in which he was accused of knocking away a television camera.

Journalist Jhonny Jackson confirmed the incident, which was later clarified as a punch at the camera rather than a punch at Mr. Jackson.

The matter was referred by the Colombian Association of Sports Journalists (ACORD) to CONMEBOL and FIFA, with the latter now taking action.

Martinez's suspension refers to a one-game suspension for the Jackson incident and another one-game suspension for an indecent gesture after the home win against Chile on September 5.

Argentina presented their retained Copa America trophy in front of their home fans at the Estadio Mas Monumental and Martinez's over-the-top celebration has now been banned.

Which Argentina games will Emiliano Martinez miss?

The ban applies to Argentina's two upcoming World Cup qualifiers in Venezuela on October 10, followed by the home game against Bolivia five days later.

The ban only affects international matches and Martinez will therefore not miss any club appearances for Aston Villa.

What did Emiliano Martinez say about his suspension?

Martinez broke his silence on the matter ahead of Villa's first UEFA Champions League home game against Bayern Munich on October 2.

“I accept the FIFA sanction and apologize if I have offended anyone. The moment of celebration was to make the children smile and not disrespect anyone,” he posted on social media.

Accept the sanción de la @FIFAcom And if I often assume that I am in Alguien, the moment of celebration is to celebrate a lot of chick and not to refuse the answer to Nadie.
I faced the pain that I did not see with my friends during this FIFA period pic.twitter.com/X4geHUDnUj

— Emi Martínez (@emimartinezz1) September 30, 2024

“I will support my friends at the upcoming games, even if it hurts not being able to be there.”

“It was never my intention to disrespect anyone, nor did I understand that a gesture that is well received by people is offensive, but I will try not to offend anyone anymore and just focus on being with Argentina and Aston Villa to win titles.”