Most Argentine players made headlines in the FIFA World Cup Final, including goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. Two teams at the peak of their game, locking horns, and giving the soccer world something to chant about, is all anyone can talk about since yesterday’s game.
Argentina defeated France to lift their third FIFA World Cup and the first one since 1986.
After Argentina clinched the victory, there was a moment of euphoria on the Argentine side with players shedding tears of joy and hugging each other, getting emotional. The French dugout was hit with despair.
A while later, the awards ceremony kicked off and aside from the World Cup trophy, other awards were given as well and all of them have been in the news since then.
🧤Emi Martinez takes the adidas Golden Glove Award! #FIFAWorldCup | #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/hkXq3ftaHs
— FIFA World Cup Stats (@alimo_philip) December 18, 2022
While Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi respectively received the Golden Boot (Awarded to the tournament’s top scorer) and the Golden Ball (Awarded to the tournament’s best player), it was Argentine shot-stopper Emiliano Martinez who was honored with the Golden Glove, the award which is given to the tournament’s best goalkeeper.
Emiliano Martinez has certainly been an important player for La Albiceleste. The Aston Villa goalkeeper saved two penalties against the Netherlands in the quarterfinal game, and in the final, he denied Kingsley Coman to hand Argentina the win.
Lionel Messi might have won MOTM but this 120+3′ save from Emiliano Martinez saved Argentina’s World Cup 🇦🇷❤️ pic.twitter.com/R9Lh0oxhHR
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 18, 2022
The 30-year-old, while emotional and seen hugging his teammates after the final whistle, seemed to have returned to his normal self while receiving the Golden Glove trophy.
After receiving the trophy, Martinez made a few gestures with the trophy which have since been described as disrespectful.
Soccer fans on the internet have called out the Argentine on his actions.
Emiliano Martinez’s photo after winning the Golden Glove goes viral for all the wrong reasons
After being honored with the FIFA World Cup 2022 Golden Glove Award, Emiliano Martinez celebrated in a controversial fashion.
Emiliano Martinez with Golden Glove 😂😂😂😂pic.twitter.com/HsJ5TS4bZ3
— Ronald Morgan (@ronaldmorgan_) December 18, 2022
The ex-Arsenal goalkeeper decided to celebrate by placing the Golden Glove Award over his crotch. That’s not all. He was also seen pumping, after placing the trophy over his crotch. The trophy itself is shaped like a hand.
As the incident was taking place live, a commentator on BBC realized the implications that these gestures could have in the future and was heard saying “No, don’t do that, Emi. Don’t do that.”
Soccer fans had varying reactions to this gesture by the Argentine goalkeeper.
Emiliano Martinez (Argentina Goalkeeper) a 30 years of age, more than the mature age.
Shame on you for such a vulgar gesture with the Golden Glove Trophy at Qatar FIFA Final.
He must face disciplinary action against him.
— Faisal (@Mohamme35775206) December 18, 2022
https://t.co/9C6OStnLmU what happened to be professional! So sad!
— CharlieD (@Charlienyc2023) December 18, 2022
What a low life…
Emiliano Martínez makes vulgar gesture with Golden Glove trophy after World Cup win https://t.co/StsNFomffj via @nypost
— LionTC (@LionTCMan) December 19, 2022
Most of the fans on Twitter and other social media platforms agree that it was, first and foremost, disrespectful. Judgments over Martinez’s actions were passed by soccer fans on Twitter.
From “He must face disciplinary action” to “What a lowlife”, fans were quick to call out Martinez over his gestures.
Whatever you (@emimartinezz1) did after winning the Golden Glove. It was extremely disrespectful and egotistical. A gentleman should not act in that manner. By making just one choice, I’d argue you wrecked some of your best experiences.
— Ravel Preet (@RavelPreet) December 19, 2022
#FIFAWorldCup I dont like Emiliano Martínez number 25 most Arrogant and disrespectful player during this entire world cup, learn to have some respect and Sportsmanship. in the the golden glove, Dominik Livakovic, was best then Bounou, and then clear 3rd 5-6 miles behind Martínez
— Malte S Dam (@malte1993) December 18, 2022
The Emir of Qatar honours their guests & gives Messi a bisht (an cloak that honours warriors) and western media goes crazy, but where is outrage for what was truly disrespectful behaviour by Emiliano Martinez on stage, in front of the Emir, when accepting the golden glove award.
— . (@anthrophobe1) December 19, 2022
It’s clear from these reactions that the soccer fraternity was not impressed by Emiliano Martinez’s actions.
Fans believe that the gesture was “rude”, “vulgar”, and “disrespectful”. This point of view is shared by a lot of soccer fans online. They believe that while winning the World Cup is a great achievement, one should also possess traits of “sportsmanship” and “gentlemanly behavior”.
After doing all what @emimartinezz1 did behind the goal!!! The gesture of the golden glove shows what he actually is… a disgrace!!! All good in vain as a professional and role model!
— Raegz (@raghusood) December 18, 2022
Whatever one’s opinion, one thing is certain. Emiliano Martinez could certainly have chosen a better way to celebrate.
Due to the underlying vulgarity of the gesture, most fans have chosen to brand the gesture as “immature” and “classless”.