The French FA have lodged an official complaint against Argentina goalkeeper Emi Martinez.
As La Albiceleste revel in a famous World Cup final win, the Aston Villa man has attracted an awful lot of negative attention.
After calling for a mock minute’s silence for Kylian Mbappe in wild dressing room celebrations, Martinez was seen holding a baby doll with the French striker’s face on it during the squad’s victory parade through Buenos Aires.
The 30-year-old was labelled as the “most hated man in France” by former Les Bleus defender Adil Rami, having also made a bizarre lewd gesture with the trophy in response to French fans after winning the Golden Glove award in Qatar.
Now, president of the French FA Noel Le Graet has revealed that he has written to the Argentine federation to complain about Martinez’s behaviour.
“I wrote to my counterpart from the Argentine Federation, I find these excesses abnormal, in the context of a sports competition, and I find it difficult to understand,” he told Ouest-France.
“This is going too far. Mbappe’s behaviour has been exemplary.”
Martinez will report back for club duty next week and will miss Villa’s Boxing Day clash with Liverpool.
“We are so proud of him,” said manager Unai Emery.
“He has won the World Cup with his national team and it’s amazing for the fans of Aston Villa. He is coming back this week but I want him to rest now because after the emotion and the hard work, he has to have some days off.”
