Argentina's goalkeeper explains controversial gesture during celebration after winning Golden Glove

vt-author-image

By Nasima Khatun

Article saved!Article saved!

Argentinian goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has spoken out to explain himself following his "controversial" gesture during his celebration after Argentina won the FIFA World Cup tournament.

During the post-match ceremony against their rivals, France, we saw the Aston Villa player receive the coveted Golden Glove award for his efforts.

However, within seconds of holding the award, he placed it over his groin area, making it seem like the accolade was a huge, golden... - well, we don't need to spell it out for you - in front of thousands of spectators at Doha's Lusail Stadium, as well as millions of viewers watching at home.

Though the gesture was slammed as "crude", it seems as though Qatari officials took it pretty well, with just the odd side-eye here and there.

wp-image-1263184972 size-large
Emiliano Martinez's celebration with the Golden Glove award raised some eyebrows. Credit: Moritz Müller / Alamy

After the moment went viral online, fans were left divided over the move.

"Emi Martinez air sh****** the golden glove award just to fully complete his arc as the tournament's biggest villain," tweeted one user.

"I know that it's considered passe and anti-fun to think it sucks when players act like dip****, but this is legitimately embarrassing to do after being handed the golden glove lol. Emi Martinez is an incredible goalkeeper and just such an a******," added another.

A third insinuated that people were taking the whole gesture a little too seriously: "The prudes on RTE comms clutching the rosary beads because Emiliano Martínez did a joke with the golden glove trophy."

Following the controversy, the 30-year-old has now explained the reasons behind his unique celebration.

Speaking to the Argentine radio station, La Red, he said: "I did it because the French booed me. Arrogance does not work with me."

wp-image-1263184974 size-large
Enzo Fernandez earned the title of young player of the tournament, Lionel Messi got player of the tournament and Emiliano Martinez was the Golden Glove winner. Credit: Sportimage / Alamy

The news comes after Argentina defeated France during this year's World Cup final.

In a nail-biting match that saw La Scaloneta secure their third World Cup win, we were treated to some amazing soccer from both sides.

While everything seemed to be going in Argentina's favor with a 2-0 lead initially, Kylian Mbappe, hailed as the star player of France's national team, pulled his squad out of their rut with two consecutive goals in the 80th and 81st minute, sending both teams into extra time.

wp-image-1263184975 size-large
Kylian Mbappe brought France back after they were 2-0 down to Argentina. Credit: Sportimage / Alamy

After an anxiety-inducing 30 minutes leaving the clubs tied with 3-3, followed by an overwhelming 4-2 defeat on penalties, the French were forced to hand over the victory to Argentina thanks to some great work by Martinez.

Not only did he manage to save Kingsley Coman's shot, but he also dabbled in a few mind games with Aurélien Tchouaméni which proved to unsettle the French player, ultimately making him fire his shot a little too wide.

The goalkeeper received his Golden Glove award alongside Lionel Messi, who won the best player, Enzo Fernandez who won the best young player, and Kylian Mbappe who won the Golden Boot.

Featured Image Credit: UK Sports Pics Ltd / Alamy