Emi Martinez criticised again as Aston Villa goalkeeper told to set better example

Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is currently serving a two-match suspension from international football, missing Argentina's October World Cup qualifiers

Emiliano Martinez has been served a fresh batch of criticism as the Aston Villa goalkeeper currently serves a two-match ban for Argentina over 'offensive behaviour'.

The Villa star landed himself in hot water with FIFA last month, who subsequently decided a two-game ban to miss World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Bolivia. During September's internationals he had repeated his infamous World Cup-winning celebrations by holding a replica Copa America trophy to his crotch, then in frustration struck a cameraman's camera with his gloves having been approached after defeat to Colombia.

His national team federation disagreed with the punishment, though taking to social media in response the 32-year-old wrote : "I accept the punishment of the @fifa and apologize if I offended anyone, the moment of celebration is to make many guys smile and not disrespect anyone. I will support my friends on this FIFA date with the pain of not being able to be there.

"It was never my intention to disrespect anyone, nor did I understand that a gesture well received by the people was offensive, but I will try not to offend anyone more and just focus on winning titles with Argentina and Aston Villa."

Manager Lionel Scaloni has most recently spoken about his goalkeeper's actions, suggesting he has spoken with Martinez and this sort of behaviour can't happen again because he is simply so important to the nation's efforts.

And so too has former Colombia international Oscar Cordoba. Beyond the criticism that would come, he praised his fellow goalkeeper's qualities.

"I understand that he is a great goalkeeper. Nobody takes away his characteristics and the great level that he shows with the National Team and in England," he told DSports via Infobae.

However, the 54-year-old expressed his belief that is up to the footballers that represent their countries to set a good example for the generations that will follow.

He added: "I don’t share some thoughts because it is a form of social, cultural and family structure. I was taught how an athlete should behave. More so if he is from the National Team and that is externalised for the boys and girls.

"I am giving the example to these kids who want to be the Dibu Martinez or Oscar Cordoba of the past. If his behaviour is not in accordance with the true behaviour that an athlete should have, it is his problem. Mine is another.

"I just don’t share his way of celebrating. That is what it means to the Argentine people to recognise him as an idol. I don’t share what he does on the field and in his celebrations."

Martinez will be eligible to play for Argentina during the next international break but for now has remained at Villa, preparing for the Premier League's return in little over a week's time. Unai Emery's side travel to Fulham in their returning fixture.

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