Emiliano Martinez will not be allowed to play in the first leg of Aston Villa’s Europa Conference League semi-final matchup with Olympiacos.
The 31-year-old custodian for the Argentina national team was given two yellow cards during Thursday night’s second-leg quarterfinal victory against Lille; but, since one of the bookings occurred during the penalty shootout, he was spared.
But because he received three bookings between the beginning of the competition’s group stage and the last eight, UEFA has determined that he will miss the first leg of the matchup.
Players, coaches, or other staff members “are suspended for the next competition match after three cautions, which did not result in a red card” according to UEFA rules for the Conference League.
Martinez had two bookings in the second leg on April 18 and one in the first leg on April 11 against Lille.
Martinez saved two penalties shots as Villa prevailed 4–3 in the penalty shootout.
Martinez tried to justify his behaviour when questioned about receiving a yellow card during the shootout after the game.
He said, “It’s been hell of a ride all my career,” in an interview with TNT Sports. As a diligent worker and believer, I was destined to succeed here once more.
“I’m known for wasting time because the other goalie was also wasting time, but I was booked for it.” I asked the ballboy for a ball because, on the other hand, there was none on the penalty spot. I don’t know what the regulations are.
“I have said throughout my career that my team needs me. Yesterday, we watched Real Madrid vs. Manchester City, and the manager warned us that we might go to penalties.
On May 2, Villa Park will host Olympiacos in the opening leg of the match. A week later, on May 9, Villa will travel to Greece for the return match.
