Fri Oct 11 00:04:32 UTC 2024: ## Argentina Manager Warns Players After Martinez Suspension
**Buenos Aires, Argentina** – Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has issued a warning to his players following the two-match suspension of Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez.
Martínez was sanctioned by FIFA for “offensive behaviour” during Argentina’s matches against Chile and Colombia last month. He made a gesture towards Chilean fans and then pushed a camera after a 1-0 defeat to Colombia.
While Scaloni acknowledges Martínez’s frustration with the verdict, he insists on maintaining professionalism. “We have to emphasise that. If a player is sent off or reprimanded it has to be for something worthwhile, for something about the game,” he said.
Scaloni also expressed his disagreement with FIFA’s decision to suspend Martínez, arguing that more serious offenses often go unpunished. “In my case, I do not agree with the sanction,” he stated.
Despite the disagreement, Scaloni stressed the importance of avoiding unnecessary absences for the national team. “He has already expressed himself and he has been fine, he did it in a very respectful and correct way,” he said, referring to Martínez’s reaction to the suspension.
The Argentine Football Association has also publicly expressed their “absolute disagreement” with FIFA’s decision.
Martínez, a key figure in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph, has made 47 appearances for the national team since his debut in 2021. He will miss the upcoming friendlies against Australia and Indonesia in June due to the suspension.
First Piper 