Emiliano Martinez’s absence will be keenly felt as Aston Villa prepares for their first European semi-final in over four decades, with UEFA confirming the goalkeeper’s suspension.
Martinez’s disciplinary issues arose during the tumultuous clash against Lille on Thursday, resulting in his exclusion from the upcoming first leg against Olympiacos. Accumulating three bookings throughout the competition, including one in the home leg at Villa Park, Martinez’s fate was sealed by his two recent cautions.
During the penalty shoot-out, Martinez received his second booking for actions that incited the home crowd, narrowly avoiding a red card due to a lesser-known regulation.
Interestingly, UEFA regulations dictate that warnings and cautions during regular and extra time do not carry over into penalty shoot-outs. However, Martinez’s prior infractions ensure his absence from the crucial first leg, potentially impacting Aston Villa’s quest for silverware.
In Martinez’s stead, Robin Olsen, the Swedish international, is poised to take the helm against the formidable Greek opponents on May 2, marking only his fourth appearance of the season.
Despite facing jeers from Lille supporters throughout the quarter-final, Martinez emerged as Villa’s hero, delivering crucial saves against Nabil Bentaleb and Benjamin Andre during the penalty drama.
He said: “I get motivated by the fans and through my life when I’ve had stuff thrown on my back I always get up. It gives me fuel to perform.
“I love this football club and playing a European semi-final for them is incredible.
“My career keeps going up and up, and it is 42 years since we’ve been here in European competition. It’s remarkable and we should celebrate these victories.
“We want to go all the way and that’s the message we had after the game. We need to have that mentality to think that when we play the next game we kill off the game at home.
“We need the home supporters to turn up on Sunday against Bournemouth and give us a boost because people are going to be tired.”
