Featured Image Credit: Alamy
Topics: Football World Cup, Football, Kylian Mbappe, France, Argentina, Emiliano Martinez
George Priestman
Topics: Football World Cup, Football, Kylian Mbappe, France, Argentina, Emiliano Martinez
A French minister has called upon FIFA to investigate Emiliano Martinez and Argentina fans supposed abuse of Kylian Mbappe.
Argentina overcame France in one of the greatest World Cup finals ever, in what was a heated and emotional game in which both teams played their part.
Following the game, the South American side celebrated profusely, as you would, but their celebrations included plenty of jokes aimed at Mbappe.
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One of the starring culprits was goalkeeper Martinez, who was the hero of the shootout as he used the dark arts to turn the shootout in his country's favour.
But some of France have been angered by such jokes, including a French minister.
A video went viral of Argentina's celebrations, with Martinez seen jokingly asking for a minute of silence for Mbappe in the changing room, before all the players jeered and continued dancing and celebrating.
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Furthermore, Martinez was seen during the celebrations in his home country with a baby doll with Mbappe's face on.
It was Bruno Le Maire, the French minister of the Economy, Finance and Recovery, who slammed the behaviour of Martinez and other Argentinian fans and wants FIFA to step in.
Speaking to Sud Radio, a furious Le Maire said: "What is Fifa doing? Sport is about fair play.
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"It’s showing respect for others. It's showing respect for those who lost."
There was also criticism from former France international Adil Rami, who was part of France's 2018 World Cup winning squad in Russia, who was furious at the Aston Villa goalkeeper.
He said on an Instagram story: "The biggest son of a b**** in football [Martinez]. The most hated man."
Martinez was also accused of cheating during the World Cup final in the shootout, following his antics that aimed to put off the French penalty takers.
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He used all the tools at his disposal, including the likes of getting the referee to check the ball placement, throwing the ball away, among other tricks.
On top of that, he then went viral for his unique celebration following the awarding of the Golden Glove award, as he held the trophy near his unmentionables in front of the whole world.
He has since explained his decision to do that “I did it because the French booed me. Pride does not work with me.”
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After the World Cup final one thing is for sure, Martinez is absolutely box-office.