Emi Martinez forced off at half-time of Brentford vs Aston Villa after ‘taking a ball in the nuts’
ASTON VILLA goalkeeper Emi Martinez was forced off against Brentford just moments after being whacked in the privates.
Unai Emery’s men secured a 1-1 draw at the Gtech Community Stadium, when Douglas Luiz scored an equaliser with three minutes left on the clock.
But, the Villans had to do it without their Argie shotstopper, 30, who had to be taken off at half-time.
Earlier in the game, Martinez was forced into a save – with the ball hitting him in the groin.
The World Cup winner was immediately left in discomfort, before he had to go off.
Fans on Twitter weren’t forgiving.
One wrote: “Emi Martinez just took a ball to the nuts. Couldn’t happen to a nicer GK.”
Another tweeted: “Emi Martinez got the s**** and came off at half time.”
Robin Olsen was brought on to replace the Villa No1.
But speaking after the game, Villa boss Unai Emery confirmed Martinez did NOT go off as a result of the painful incident – but that he had a “stomach virus”.
It is not the first time Martinez has been subbed off this term,
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Back in October, the ex-Arsenal stopper was forced in a game against Newcastle after suffering a horror head injury,
But, it’s Martinez’s antics that have taken centre stage this season.
He was branded a “vulgar clown” and “stupid” following Argentina’s World Cup triumph.
The Aston Villa stopper caused a furore moments after collecting the Glove Glove award after La Abliceleste’s penalty shootout victory over France by putting the trophy to his crotch and thrusting it forward.
The gesture amused many, but not former Liverpool and Scotland star Graeme Souness.
He wrote in his Daily Mail column: “Much of the debate post World Cup Final has centred on the behaviour of Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez during the penalty shootout.
“I can accept those antics, to a point.
“But what we should be talking about more is the crude gesture he made after collecting his goalkeeper of the tournament trophy.
“Do some people really find that sort of thing funny?
“Martinez embarrassed himself and he embarrassed his country. He looked like a vulgar clown.
“If that is what he wants to be remembered for, then God help us all.”