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Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez accused of ‘slapping’ TV cameraman after defeat
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez has been accused of slapping a cameraman after Argentina’s 2-1 World Cup qualifier defeat by Colombia.
Video footage appeared to show the 32-year-old hitting a camera and knocking it to the floor as he was being filmed on the pitch following the match at the Estadio Metropolitano in Barranquilla.
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Jhonny Jackson, the man who was holding the camera, accused Martínez of slapping him in frustration at the defeat, with the goalkeeper appearing visibly annoyed by the close proximity of the cameraman.
Jackson referred to Martinez by his Argentine nickname, Dibú, and told RCN Deportes: “Out of the blue he slapped me.
“I felt angry, very angry. I was working, just like he was. He was playing and I was shooting with my camera.”
He also sent a message to World Cup winner Martínez: “Dibú, my brother, how are you? I am Jhonny Jackson, the cameraman you assaulted in the match against Colombia. I wanted to tell you it is all good, my brother. Everyone has lost a match in their life. This defeat clearly meant a lot to you. But look ahead, Dibú.”
Jackson works for a company that delivers footage to channels Caracol Televisión and RCN Deportes.
Colombia’s association of sports journalists, Acord, called on Fifa to punish Martínez for his actions. Footballers have in the past been suspended for similar incidents, with the Villa goalkeeper potentially at risk of an international ban.
In a statement, Acord president Faiver Hoyos Hernández said that Martínez had attacked freedom of expression.
“As the journalistic authority in this country, Acord wants Fifa to produce an exemplary sanction against Mr Emiliano Dibú Martínez, who is no role model for new generations,” the statement said.
Martínez and South American football body Conmebol did not comment.
Argentina leads South American World Cup qualifying with 18 points after eight matches, two points ahead of Colombia. All teams have two more qualifying matches next month. The top six teams will earn automatic spots at the 2026 World Cup.
