Emiliano Martinez avoids red card despite being shown two yellows because of little-known rule

Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was shown two yellow cards in their UEFA Europa Conference League clash with Lille but avoided being sent off because of a little-known rule.

Villa progressed to the semi-finals of the competition with a dramatic 4-3 victory in the penalty shootout after the tie had ended 3-3 following extra-time.

It had looked like being a disastrous evening for Unai Emery's side when Yusuf Yazici and Benjamin Andre gave the hosts a two-goal lead on the night and ahead in the tie by one goal.

But Villa defender Matty Cash levelled the tie with just minutes remaining to send it to extra-time.

Neither side was able to score in the additional period, with the quarter-final instead heading to penalties.

Martinez, who was booked during normal time by Slovakian referee Ivan Kruzliak, received a second yellow in the shootout for shushing the home supporters after saving Lille's first penalty kick in the shootout.

He had been given a hostile reception by the home fans throughout the match due to his involvement in Argentina's World Cup final win over France, and his comments after the victory in Qatar.

Emi Martinez saves and wins Aston Villa the penalty shootout to progress to the semi-finals! 🧤

And he celebrates right in front of the Lille fans 😳#UECL pic.twitter.com/u4Xq836xck

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 18, 2024

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But despite being shown a second yellow card, he avoided a red due to a little-known rule.

Yellow cards reset at the start of a penalty shootout, meaning Martinez was able to stay on the pitch for the rest of the match.

He would prove to be the hero for Villa, saving Andre's spot-kick to seal victory for the visitors.

And after being jeered throughout the game by the home support, Martinez took full opportunity to twist the knife.

He sprinted the length of the pitch to celebrate with the travelling supporters before issuing a rallying cry from the dressing room, urging the club to "go all the way".

Villa will now face either Fenerbahce or Olympiacos in the semi-finals, their first in Europe since 1982.

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