Premier League star explains 'offensive gesture' that led to ban was meant to 'bring joy to children'

Martinez, 32, has been suspended for Argentina's next two games after being found guilty of making an offensive gesture following the team's 3-0 victory over Chile in early September.

Just as he did during Argentina’s World Cup celebrations in 2022, Martinez caused controversy by holding a trophy against his crotch while giving a beaming smile to the fans.

Martinez was also punished by FIFA after hitting a camera with his gloves as a cameraman approached him after the 2-1 defeat to Colombia four days after the Chile game.

As a result of his indiscretions, Martinez will now miss Argentina’s World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Bolivia in October’s international break.

Reacting to the punishment, Martinez wrote on Instagram: ‘I accept the sanction from FIFA and I apologize if I offended anyone, the moment of celebration is to make kids smile and not to 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 people was offensive, but I will try not to offend anyone anymore and just focus on winning titles with Argentina and Aston Villa.’

Martinez was hailed as one of the best goalkeepers in the world after he won the Golden Glove award at the last World Cup.

Despite making some mistakes in the Premier League this season – including one in Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Ipswich Town – his Aston Villa side are still fifth after seven games.

Unai Emery’s side face European heavyweights Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday night before taking on struggling Premier League giants Manchester United at the weekend.

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