UEFA have confirmed their decision regarding Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
On Thursday night, Villa were taken all the way to penalties by Lille in the Europa Conference League.
During the shootout, Martinez received a yellow card but was not shown a red card despite being booked in normal time.
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The fact that Martinez stayed on the pitch caused an almighty confusion but it was later confirmed that the laws of the game state that yellow cards are reset at the start of a penalty shootout, meaning the Villa man was able to stay on the pitch.
Martinez went on to be the hero as he saved Lille’s fifth penalty to send his side through.
After the match, the attention switched to whether Martinez will be available for selection for Villa's semi-final first leg tie against Greek side Olympiacos.
Now, UEFA have made a decision, according to Mail Sport journalist Tom Collomosse, who wrote: “UEFA spokesman: ‘Martinez suspended for the first leg of the semi-final against Olympiacos.’ Basis is the three bookings he received across the tie against Lille.”
Speaking about his yellow cards after the match, the Villa man said: “I just got a bad reputation for time wasting because the other goalie was doing exactly the same thing and I get booked after 30 minutes.
“You know, we were losing the game, I don’t know what the ref wants from me.”
Martinez continued: “And then, there was no ball on the penalty spot and I ask for a ball from the ball boy and then I get booked. I just don’t understand the rules.”
When asked about Martinez, manager Unai Emery said: “He is very important for us. He has his personality and his personality in the dressing room is very important because he is a leader with his experiences. He has a really brilliant mentality.
“And then on the pitch he has his personality and he played fantastic. He saved two penalty shots so of course I am very proud of him. I am very proud of all the players.”
Topics: Emiliano Martinez, Aston Villa, UEFA, Europa Conference League, Football
Marcus Chan