Aston Villa star Emi Martinez faced backlash from French supporters at a match against Lille in the Europa Conference League due to his actions at the 2022 World Cup. Lille fans expressed their displeasure by confronting Martinez on the field. The goalkeeper’s controversial behavior during the World Cup, including mocking Kylian Mbappe, had already made him unpopular in France, where he was dubbed the “most hated Argentine.” Despite this, Martinez said his actions were not personal and he had a positive view of France, Arsenal, and its players like Arsene Wenger.
The incident with Lille fans at the Europa Conference League match led to a tense atmosphere for Martinez, with supporters showing their disapproval every time he touched the ball. The Argentine goalkeeper’s discomfort increased when Villa fell behind 1-0 after a goal by Yusuf Yazici. Martinez was also booked for delaying a goal-kick. His behavior at the World Cup, where he taunted Mbappe in various ways, had displeased French fans and created a negative perception of him in the country. Martinez later clarified that his actions were related to football and he had no personal issues with France.
Despite the incident in France, Martinez expressed his admiration for the country and its football achievements, acknowledging the efforts of the French national team in the World Cup. He emphasized his respect for French players and mentioned positive experiences with them, including sharing a room with French teammates at Aston Villa. Martinez hoped for a more comfortable game in the upcoming match against Bournemouth. The Aston Villa goalkeeper aimed to move past the controversy surrounding him and focus on performing well on the field.
The altercation with Lille fans highlighted the strained relationship between Emi Martinez and French supporters following his behavior at the 2022 World Cup. Despite facing criticism and hostility, Martinez remained calm and focused on his role as a professional footballer at Aston Villa. His actions during the tournament had made him a polarizing figure among French fans, who viewed him as disrespectful towards French players like Mbappe. Martinez’s ability to manage the situation and maintain his composure during the match demonstrated his professionalism and commitment to the sport.
Martinez’s presence in the Europa Conference League fixture against Lille reignited the controversy surrounding his conduct at the World Cup. The negative reception from Lille fans highlighted the impact of his actions on his reputation in France. However, Martinez’s remarks about his fondness for France and previous positive interactions with French players showcased a different side of his character. As he navigated the challenges posed by the hostile environment, Martinez displayed resilience and a determination to move past the incident and focus on his performance for Aston Villa. The outcome of the match against Bournemouth presented an opportunity for Martinez to demonstrate his skills and contribute positively to his team’s success.
