Fuming Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez accused of ‘slapping’ cameraman after boos from Colombia fans
Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has been accused by a cameraman of slapping him after the side’s 2-1 loss to Colombia in a FIFA World Cup qualification match in Barranquilla. Martinez could be seen pushing a camera away after a frustrating match in which he copped boos from the Colombia throughout its duration. Jhonny Jackson, the cameraman for Caracol Television and RCN Deportes, is later quoted as saying that the 32-year-old “slapped” him.
Martinez was shaking hands with another player when Jackson claimed to have pointed the camera at him. He abruptly gave me a smack. I was furious—very furious. Like him, I was working,” he said to RCN Deportes.
FIFA has now been urged by the Colombian union of sports journalists to take action against Martinez. The president of ACORD, Faiver Hoyos Hernández, issued a statement saying, “As the journalistic authority in this country, ACORD wants FIFA to produce an exemplary sanction against Mr. Emiliano Dibú Martínez, who is no role model for new generations.”
Jackson reportedly wrote the Aston Villa goalie a message of reconciliation, according to the AP. “Dibu, how are you doing, my brother? The cameraman you attacked during the Colombian match is me, Jhonny Jackson. My brother, I wanted to let you know everything is OK. Everybody has experienced a match loss. It’s obvious how much this setback mattered to you. But, Dibu, look forward,” he remarked.
Colombia scored a goal to avenge their final-round setback in the Copa America.
Colombia defeated Argentina 2-1 thanks to a goal from the penalty spot and an assist from captain James Rodríguez. Thus, it was a form of payback for Colombia, who earlier this year had lost to Argentina in the Copa America final. Yerson Mosquera gave Argentina the lead in the 25th minute, but Nico Gonzalez’s goal in the 48th came about as a result of a defensive error made by the Colombians. The victory at the Metropolitano Stadium was guaranteed by Rodríguez’s penalty kick in the 60th minute, which was given following a video review. “We won against a team from Argentina that has won everything,” Rodríguez said. “Despite the challenging conditions and intense heat, we had an
Colombia scored a goal to avenge their final-round setback in the Copa America.
Argentina is two points ahead of Colombia in the South American World Cup qualification standings, having played eight matches, despite the loss. Next month, all teams will play two additional qualifying matches. The top six teams will automatically qualify for the World Cup in 2026.
