FIFA Bans Argentina Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez for 'Offensive Behavior'

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Argentina's World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has been punished with a two-match ban by FIFA for his "offensive behavior," as confirmed by the Argentine Football Association (AFA) on Saturday. The 32-year-old Aston Villa player was also cited for breaching the principles of fair play in two instances. One incident involved Martinez holding a replica of the Copa America trophy to his groin following the World Cup qualifier victory against Chile on September 5. This action was deemed a violation of FIFA's code of conduct.

It is not the first time Martinez has performed such an action having also done it with the Golden Glove trophy for best goalkeeper after Argentina beat France on penalties in the 2022 World Cup final.

FIFA also sanctioned him for hitting a TV cameraman's camera with his gloves after their 2-1 defeat by Colombia on September 10.

The AFA expressed their dissatisfaction with the FIFA ruling.

"It should be noted that the Argentine Football Association expresses its absolute disagreement with the decision taken by the FIFA disciplinary committee," they said in a statement.

As a result of the decision Martinez -- also a key member of the Argentina side that won the Copa America in July, as well as the 2021 edition -- will miss the World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela on October 10 and Bolivia on October 15.

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Argentina are top of the South American qualifying table with 18 points after eight matches. Colombia are just two points behind.

(This story has not been edited by staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)