Emiliano Martinez: Patrick Vieira blasts Argentina goalkeeper for 'stupid' celebrations after World Cup win

Updated 24/12/2022 at 11:06 GMT

Emi Martinez played a pivotal role as Argentina lifted the World Cup after a thrilling final against France – denying Randal Kolo Muani in the dying seconds of extra time, then saving from Kingsley Coman in the shoot-out. But the focus is instead on his celebrations, having mocked France striker Kylian Mbappe repeatedly – including with a toy doll during Argentina’s celebrations in Buenos Aires.

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Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira has joined the chorus of condemnation aimed at Emiliano Martinez following his controversial celebrations in the aftermath of Argentina’s World Cup win.

Martinez asked for a minute’s silence for France striker Kylian Mbappe – who scored three times against him, then again in the shoot-out – during the dressing room partying. He also carried a toy doll depicting the striker during an open-top bus parade in Buenos Aires.

France have launched a formal complaint about his behaviour, while Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has confirmed he will speak to his goalkeeper about his antics when he returns from the homecoming.

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Now Vieira, part of France’s World Cup-winning squad in 1998, has added his voice to the criticism.

“Some of the pictures I saw from the Argentinian goalkeeper, I think, take away a little bit what Argentina achieved at the World Cup,” Vieira said at Palace’s press conference ahead of the Premier League clash with Fulham.

“I don’t think they really needed that. You can’t control sometimes people’s emotional decisions. But that was a stupid decision, I think, from Martinez to do that.”

Argentina delivered a first World Cup trophy since the Diego Maradona-inspired team of 1986, ending Lionel Messi’s hunt for the one major title that had eluded him.

After a thrilling 3-3 draw ended with Martinez superbly saving from Randal Kolo Muani, the 30-year-old was again the hero in the shoot-out as he denied Kingsley Coman.

However, he came under fire for perceived gamesmanship during the penalties after being seen throwing the ball away before Aurelien Tchouameni stepped up to blast wide.

Martinez also made a lewd gesture with the Golden Glove award after being named the tournament's best goalkeeper.