 "Martinez looks dejected after PSG's second goal. Image: Reuters")
Aston Villa’s return to the UEFA Champions League spotlight was always going to be a challenging affair, especially against a Paris Saint-Germain side fresh off eliminating Liverpool. But goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez’s pre-match antics added an extra layer of fire to an already heated quarterfinal clash.
Villa travelled to the Parc des Princes for the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal on Wednesday, and while the 3-1 defeat was tough, it was Emi Martinez who stole the pre-match headlines, for all the wrong reasons in the eyes of PSG and French fans.
Martinez’s cap sparks controversy
Upon arriving in Paris, Martinez was spotted wearing a cap with the Argentina flag and four international trophies that he has won with the national team, including the World Cup and two Copa Americas. The cap also featured an emblem of the French cockerel.
The image, shared on Aston Villa’s official social media, was viewed as a direct taunt towards France’s World Cup heartbreak in 2022, a match in which Martinez played a key role with the gloves.
French media and fans did not take kindly to the gesture. Memories of Martinez’s infamous taunts toward Kylian Mbappe and France after the 2022 FIFA World Cup final still seem fresh, including his gesture with the Golden Glove award and the infamous baby doll with Mbappe’s face during Argentina’s celebration parade.
Martinez booed by French fans
As expected, Martinez was greeted with boos right from the moment he stepped out of the tunnel at the Parc des Princes. The performance on the pitch didn’t help Martinez’s case either. The Argentine was beaten thrice in convincing fashion by PSG strikers as Villa lost 3-1.
Despite the media storm, Aston Villa manager Unai Emery came to Martinez’s defense. “He is mature. He is responsible. He’s getting better at controlling his emotions. He is one of the best goalkeepers in the world — he got the award for it here in Paris."
Midfielder Youri Tielemans also addressed the situation before the PSG clash, downplaying the cap incident and calling on fans to keep the criticism within boundaries. “As long as it stays in football terms, I don’t mind. He’s focused, and he’s looking forward to the game,” he had said.