Graeme Souness calls Emiliano Martinez 'a vulgar clown' after World Cup antics, it's his biggest rant yet
Published
| Last updated
Graeme Souness says Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez "embarrassed" his country during Sunday's post-match World Cup final celebrations, and did so while looking "a vulgar clown".
The former Liverpool midfielder and Sky pundit believes Martinez "crossed the line" during Sunday's penalty shootout between La Albiceleste and France.
He used mind games to unsettle the likes of Kingsley Coman and Kolo Muani as they prepared to take their spot kicks.
The Argentine also threw the ball away before Aurelien Tchouameni stepped up – a moment that Souness was far from impressed with.
Loading…
"You still have to show respect to everyone else on the pitch," Souness said on the incident in his column for The Daily Mail. "It is not win at all costs. There is a limit to what you can do."
He added: "Martinez overstepped the mark. Not for the last time, either."
After Lionel Scaloni's side beat France on penalties, Martinez was awarded the Golden Glove award. Moments later, he made a lewd gesture with the trophy.
Souness labelled his actions as embarrassing before saying he looked like a "vulgar clown" as he made his way towards his teammates.
"Do some people really find that sort of thing funny?" the Scot said. "Martinez embarrassed himself and he embarrassed his country. He looked like a vulgar clown. If that is what he wants to be remembered for, then God help us all."
Souness added: "I cannot understand why he chose to do that in front of a watching world. He was also on stage with the various dignitaries and the Emir of Qatar.
"What respect is he showing for his hosts? For himself, even? Maybe he doesn't care. He should. He will not be so proud in years to come. Sadly, that image is part of the story of the final now."
Martinez went on to mock Kylian Mbappe by telling his Argentina teammates to have "a minute of silence" for the French forward.
Days later and the goalkeeper was spotted carrying around a doll with Mbappe's face taped to it during Argentina's open-top bus parade in Buenos Aires.
Emi Martinez holding the baby Mbappe doll during the parade 💀 pic.twitter.com/8inpCDCrEj
— Whistle FC (@WhistleFC) December 21, 2022
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery didn't appear too impressed with his player's actions.
In a press conference ahead of Villa's Premier League clash against Liverpool on Monday night, the Spaniard said he will have a word with the former Arsenal goalkeeper about "some" of his celebrations.
"When you have a big emotion, sometimes it’s difficult to control it," Emery said.
"I will speak to him next week about some of the celebrations but I need to respect that he’s with his national team right now. When he’s back with us we can speak about it."
Thoughts on Martinez's antics?
Let us know in the comments.
From 26-28th December, watch all 10 Premier League games live, including Aston Villa vs Liverpool, Arsenal vs West Ham, Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest and more. Watch for free with a 30-day free trial to Prime!
Featured Image Credit: Sky/Alamy
Topics: Emiliano Martinez, Argentina, Football World Cup, Graeme Souness
.png)
