Emiliano Martinez has taken to Twitter to dispel the myth he handled the ball outside the area in yesterday's FA Cup final.
At first glance it looked as though the Martinez was facing a red card after he rushed out to catch the ball and stop Tammy Abraham from getting in behind in the second half as Chelsea pushed for an equaliser.
Referee Anthony Taylor allowed play on and there was no VAR review. Several blurred images that surfaced did make it look like the Arsenal goalkeeper might have actually handballed outside the box.
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However, the Argentine himself has proved he caught the ball on the line. Referencing pikachu in his caption after seeing the Pokemon logo on the advertising boards, he posted a screenshot that very much closes the clase.
This BBC video of the highly dangerous but unreal bit of work from @emimartinezz1 should put to rest the ‘handball’ speculation Tbf I thot it was when I 1st saw it And don’t show me the still shot floating around wt the ball outside; apparently it’s doctored #FACup #ARSvsCHE
Martinez produced another assured display in between the sticks as he got his hands on an FA Cup winners medal. And the victory meant so much to the 27-year old after a rollercoaster journey.
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Having lived in poverty as a youngster, he left home as a 17-year old to join the Gunners and has been loaned out six times in his decade in North London.
But since Bernd Leno got injured in June, Martinez has been a brilliant deputy in goal and showed that you must take your opportunities when they arrive.
Martinez was overcome with emotion when talking about his family, who has not seen for a year, during a BBC post-match interview.
Captain and matchwinner Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had to step in and console him before taking over the interview.
It's been a long emotional road for Emiliano Martínez after six loan moves away from Arsenal, which makes this moment even more special. 😢
He was later filmed on FaceTime chatting to his loved ones and celebrating the momentous occasion with them in a wonderful moment.
“I had seen my dad crying late at night because he could not pay the bills. I remember the day that me and my brother ate and not my mum and dad.” Martinez now an FA Cup champion crying as he presumably video calls his family. Beautiful story.
Topics: Emiliano Martinez, Football News, Chelsea, Football, FA Cup Final, Arsenal
