'He looked like a vulgar clown' - Former Liverpool star lashes out at Argentina GK Emi Martinez for lewd celebration

Former Scotland international and veteran football expert Graeme Souness has recently joined the list of critiques of Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. The 30-year-old is continuously on the receiving end of some hard- and fast-line remarks.

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Souness recently wrote a column in Daily Mail in which he went on to criticize the golden glove winner of the FIFA World Cup 2022. The former Liverpool went on to the extent of saying Martinez was a ‘vulgar clown’.

"Much of the debate following the World Cup final has focused on the behavior of Argentina goalkeeper Martinez during the penalty shootout," wrote Souness in his column.

"I can accept those antics, up to a point. But what we should be talking more about is the rude gesture he made after collecting his trophy for best goalkeeper of the tournament. Are there really people who find something like that funny? Martinez embarrassed himself and embarrassed his country. He looked like a vulgar clown. If that's what he wants to be remembered for, God helps us all,” he added later.

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Unfortunately, that image is now part of the history of the final - Graeme Souness on Emiliano Martinez

Later on, the 69-year-old stated that he still likes Martinez as a goalkeeper both for his national team and the club. Subsequently, he said that the latter’s behavior on the night of the FIFA World Cup 2022 final award ceremony was completely inappropriate.

"I like him as a goalkeeper, in Argentina, and at Aston Villa. But that he thinks what he did was appropriate is unbelievable.

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"I don't understand why he decided to do that in front of everyone's eyes <...> What respect does he show for his hosts? Even for himself? Maybe he doesn't care. Well, he should. He won't be so proud in the years to come. Unfortunately, that image is now part of the history of the final,” Souness concluded.