Graeme Souness has blasted Emilian Martinez’s World Cup winning celebrations - branding the Argentina star a “vulgar clown” following their shoot-out triumph over France.
The Aston Villa keeper saved from Kingsley Coman, before throwing the ball away as Aurelien Tchouameni prepared to go next. He sent his effort wide of the post. Martinez then had to be held back by the referee as we went to confront Kolo Muani, but the French forward dispatched in spite of the keeper’s antics. It didn’t matter though, as substitute Gonzalo Montiel netted to give the Albiceleste their third World Cup triumph.
Martinez was awarded FIFA’s Golden Glove after being selected as the tournament’s best goalie, and celebrated by holding it in front of his groin and thrusting as Qatari dignitaries looked on. Souness is no stranger to controversial post-match celebrations. As Galatasaray boss, he marched into the centre of Fenerbahce’s pitch after a derby win over their Istanbul’s rivals and planted a flag of his team’s colours on the centre spot, which almost caused an international incident.
But Martinez’s excitement proved a step too far for the former Rangers boss. He wrote in his Daily Mail column: “Much of the debate post World Cup final has centred on the behaviour of Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez during the penalty shootout.
“I can accept those antics, to a point. But what we should be talking about more is the crude gesture he made after collecting his goalkeeper of the tournament trophy. Do some people really find that sort of thing funny? Martinez embarrassed himself and he embarrassed his country. He looked like a vulgar clown. If that is what he wants to be remembered for, then God help us all.
“I like him as a goalkeeper, for Argentina and Aston Villa. But for him to think what he did was appropriate, it beggars belief. Why did he not want to be remembered instead for his performance? Or the team's performance? Or Lionel Messi's performance? I cannot understand why he chose to do that in front of a watching world. He was also on stage with the various dignitaries and the Emir of Qatar.
“What respect is he showing for his hosts? For himself, even? Maybe he doesn't care. He should. He will not be so proud in years to come. Sadly, that image is part of the story of the final now.
“And what a final it was, by the way. The best of my lifetime? Yes. Martinez played a huge part, not just in the shootout but also with his save in the final minute of extra-time from Randal Kolo Muani.
“But his conduct in attempting to put off France's players before taking their penalties has clearly split opinion. I have been part of this sort of thing before with my Liverpool team-mate Bruce Grobbelaar in the 1984 European Cup Final against Roma, in Rome.
“Bruce, famously, used his spaghetti legs to distract Francesco Graziani. It worked, he hit the crossbar. Alan Kennedy scored the final penalty and we had our third European Cup.
“Where Martinez crossed the line was by throwing the ball away from Aurelien Tchouameni, who then hit the post. You still have to show respect to everyone else on the pitch. It is not win at all costs. There is a limit to what you can do.
“What Bruce did was not disrespectful. He did not interfere with his opponent. He was wiggling his hips on the line and then clapped his hands in celebration when the guy missed, not in any way disrespecting Graziani.
“Every goalkeeper tries to plant a seed in the head of the taker - walking off their line, kick a post, kick another post. I get all that and, as a manager, I would be happy to see my goalkeeper use those tactics.”
Villa boss Unai Emery revealed he’ll have a word with Martinez about his celebrations when he returns to domestic duty. He said: “When you have big emotions, sometimes it’s difficult to control it. I will speak with him next week about some celebrations.
“But for now I respect that he is now with his national team. When he is going to be us and under our responsibility, we can speak about it then.”
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