Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was shown a second yellow card in his side’s penalty shootout win against Lille in the Conference League quarter-final but was not sent off for the offence.
The 31-year-old received a warning from Slovakian referee Ivan Kruzliak before being shown a second yellow card.
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A rule, however, allowed him to stay on the pitch for the remainder of the shootout, where he once again emerged as the hero.
The Athletic explains why Martinez was allowed to stay on the pitch and win the contest for his side…
What happened?
Martinez was shown a yellow card in the 39th minute for time-wasting during the first half, when Villa were 1-0 down.
But with the match going to penalties with the score at 2-1 after extra-time, Martinez saved an effort from Nabil Bentaleb’s shot. He then silenced the home fans by putting his finger to his lips. However, Villa’s hopes were momentarily dashed when Leon Bailey missed his penalty.
Martinez was then shown a second yellow card by Kruzliak for appearing to antagonise Lille supporters. However, he was not sent off, being allowed to continue and save a spot-kick from Benjamin Andre, sealing Villa’s place in the semi-finals.
What do the laws say?
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) — football’s lawmakers — state under law 10.3 that “warnings and cautions issued to players and team officials during the match are not carried forward into penalties (penalty shoot-out)”.
They added: “A player who was shown a red card during the game cannot take part. Players, substitutes, substituted players and team officials can get a red or yellow card during penalties.”
Martinez was therefore allowed to carry on as his initial booking was not carried over into the shootout.
Emi Martinez silences the Lille fans by saving the first penalty 🧤
Then looks to get a second yellow from the referee?! 🤯
But doesn't get sent off 😬#UECL
📺 @TNTSports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/qU76fw9AGs
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 18, 2024
Will Martinez be suspended for the semi-finals?
UEFA has confirmed Martinez will be suspended for the first leg of Villa’s semi-final against Olympiacos on May 2 — but not simply because of his two yellow cards in France on Thursday.
UEFA state the goalkeeper has been suspended due to “repeated cautions” after picking up his third yellow card of the competition with his booking in the penalty shootout.
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Players receive a one-game suspension if, from the opening group stage game onwards, they receive three yellow cards, which do not result in a red card.
In addition to his two bookings in the second leg against Lille, Martinez was also cautioned in second-half stoppage time during the first leg at Villa Park.
He will be available to return for the second leg on May 9.
What did Martinez say?
Speaking to TNT Sports, he said: “It’s been hell of a ride all my career. I’m a believer and I’m a hard worker and it was my destiny to win here again.
“I’ve got a reputation for time-wasting because the other goalkeeper was doing the same but I got booked for time-wasting. Then again there was no ball on the penalty spot so I was asking the ballboy for a ball. I don’t understand the rules.
“I always say all my career, my team needs me. We were watching Real Madrid against Manchester City yesterday and the manager was saying we might go to penalties.”
What has Unai Emery said?
Speaking post-match, Villa head coach Emery said: “Emi is very important. He has his personality. His personality is, in the dressing room, very important. He is a leader with his attitude. His mentality is brilliant and when he plays, he has this personality. He was fantastic. I am very proud of him.
“Yes (players thought he was sent off), but we accept the rules. All their supporters were pushing him when he had the ball. But he has experience controlling his emotions. I know he’s mature and responsible. I accept him like he is.”
Villa won the tie 4-3 on penalties following a 3-3 aggregate scoreline.
(Alex Pantling/Getty Images)