Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has been slapped with a two-match suspension by FIFA and will be absent from Argentina's forthcoming World Cup qualifiers.
The shot-stopper will miss the matches against Venezuela and Bolivia next month as Argentina continue their quest to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Currently leading the standings, Argentina are on course to defend their 2022 Qatar World Cup victory.
However, Martinez has been penalised by FIFA for "offensive behaviour" during games against Chile and Colombia earlier this month.
After Argentina's triumphant 3-0 win over Chile, their first game since lifting the Copa America trophy, Martinez was seen making an inappropriate gesture with a replica trophy.
Martinez has now been disciplined, despite efforts from the player and AFA to argue his case. The Argentine Football Association released a statement saying: "Martinez is declared responsible for his offensive behaviour and his violation of the principles of fair play (art. 13 CDF).
"It should be noted that the Argentine Football Association expresses its absolute disagreement with the decision taken by the FIFA disciplinary committee."
Thankfully for Villa fans, this wont impact Martinez's Premier League availability and he's slated to start in net against Ipswich Town on Sunday at Portman Road.
Following a 2-1 defeat to Colombia four days later, Martinez was caught on camera hitting a local television camera, causing it to tumble to the ground.
The camera operator, Jhonny Jackson, expressed his shock to Colombian media, saying: "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."
Jackson also reached out to the goalkeeper, saying: "Dibu, 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, Dibu."
