Graeme Souness has blasted Emilian Martinez’s World Cup successful celebrations - branding the Argentina star a “vulgar clown” following their shoot-out conquer France.
The Aston Villa keeper saved from Kingsley Coman, earlier than throwing the ball away as Aurelien Tchouameni ready to go subsequent. He despatched his effort broad of the put up. Martinez then needed to be held again by the referee as we went to confront Kolo Muani, however the French ahead dispatched despite the keeper’s antics. It didn’t matter although, as substitute Gonzalo Montiel netted to offer the Albiceleste their third World Cup triumph.
Martinez was awarded FIFA’s Golden Glove after being chosen because the match’s finest goalie, and celebrated by holding it in entrance of his groin and thrusting as Qatari dignitaries appeared on. Souness isn't any 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 staff’s colors on the centre spot, which nearly prompted a world incident.
However Martinez’s pleasure proved a step too far for the previous Rangers boss. He wrote in his Every day Mail column: “A lot of the controversy put up World Cup remaining has centred on the behaviour of Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez throughout the penalty shootout.
“I can settle for these antics, to a degree. However what we must be speaking about extra is the crude gesture he made after gathering his goalkeeper of the match trophy. Do some individuals actually discover that type of factor humorous? Martinez embarrassed himself and he embarrassed his nation. He appeared like a vulgar clown. If that's what he desires to be remembered for, then God assist us all.
“I like him as a goalkeeper, for Argentina and Aston Villa. However for him to suppose what he did was applicable, it beggars perception. Why did he not need to be remembered as an alternative for his efficiency? Or the staff's efficiency? Or Lionel Messi's efficiency? I can not perceive why he selected to try this in entrance of a watching world. He was additionally on stage with the varied dignitaries and the Emir of Qatar.
“What respect is he displaying for his hosts? For himself, even? Possibly he does not care. He ought to. He is not going to be so proud in years to come back. Sadly, that picture is a part of the story of the ultimate now.
“And what a remaining it was, by the way in which. One of the best of my lifetime? Sure. Martinez performed an enormous half, not simply within the shootout but in addition along with his save within the remaining minute of extra-time from Randal Kolo Muani.
“However his conduct in trying to place off France's gamers earlier than taking their penalties has clearly break up opinion. I've been a part of this type of factor earlier than with my Liverpool team-mate Bruce Grobbelaar within the 1984 European Cup Remaining in opposition to Roma, in Rome.
“Bruce, famously, used his spaghetti legs to distract Francesco Graziani. It labored, he hit the crossbar. Alan Kennedy scored the ultimate penalty and we had our third European Cup.
“The place Martinez crossed the road was by throwing the ball away from Aurelien Tchouameni, who then hit the put up. You continue to have to point out respect to everybody else on the pitch. It isn't win in any respect prices. There's a restrict to what you are able to do.
“What Bruce did was not disrespectful. He didn't intervene along with his opponent. He was wiggling his hips on the road after which clapped his fingers in celebration when the man missed, not in any method disrespecting Graziani.
“Each goalkeeper tries to plant a seed within the head of the taker - strolling off their line, kick a put up, kick one other put up. I get all that and, as a supervisor, I'd be completely satisfied to see my goalkeeper use these techniques.”
Villa boss Unai Emery revealed he’ll have a phrase with Martinez about his celebrations when he returns to home obligation. He stated: “When you may have large feelings, typically it’s tough to regulate it. I'll converse with him subsequent week about some celebrations.
“However for now I respect that he's now along with his nationwide staff. When he's going to be us and underneath our accountability, we will discuss it then.”
READ NEXT: