Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martínez received a predictably hostile reception from Paris Saint-Germain supporters ahead of the Champions League quarter-final first leg at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday night, April 9th. The Argentine international was met with a barrage of boos, whistles, and insults as he warmed up.
The animosity stems primarily from Martínez’s actions following Argentina’s victory over France in the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar. Martínez, who was instrumental in Argentina’s penalty shootout win, repeatedly taunted French star Kylian Mbappé during the celebrations and made vulgar gestures after receiving the tournament’s Golden Glove award. French sports newspaper L’Equipe subsequently dubbed him a “specialist in provocation.”
Adding fuel to the fire, Emi Martínez was reportedly seen on Tuesday wearing a hat celebrating Argentina’s success while covering the French cockerel emblem. His history in France also includes shushing Lille supporters after Aston Villa eliminated them on penalties in last season’s Europa Conference League.
Despite the predictable hostility, Aston Villa manager Unai Emery defended his goalkeeper before the match. Speaking on Tuesday, Emery stated: “He is mature, he is responsible, he is getting better at controlling his emotions… When he arrived at Aston Villa five or six years ago and now, it is different.”
The fiery reception provided a tense backdrop to the crucial Champions League encounter between the French champions and the Premier League side.
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