The game saw Aston Villa overcome Lille, with Emiliano Martinez taking center stage. Emiliano Martinez, the goalkeeper for Aston Villa, has been declared the winner by UEFA.
In the Europa Conference League on Thursday night, Lille took Villa all the way to penalties.
Martinez was booked in regular time, however he was given a yellow card during the shootout but not a red card.
Martinez’s decision to remain on the field created a great deal of discussion, but it was eventually established that the Villa player was permitted to do so because the rules of the game provide that yellow cards are reset at the beginning of a penalty shootout.
Martinez then proved to be the hero, saving Lille’s fifth penalty to advance his team.
Following the game, speculation centered on Martinez’s potential availability for selection in Villa’s semi-final first-leg matchup against Olympiacos of Greece.
Now, UEFA has made a decision, according to Mail Sport journalist Tom Collomosse, who wrote: “UEFA spokesman: ‘Martinez suspended for the first leg of the semi-final against Olympiacos.’ Basis is the three bookings he received across the tie against Lille.”
Speaking about his yellow cards after the match, the World Cup winner said: “I just got a bad reputation for time wasting because the other goalie was doing exactly the same thing and I get booked after 30 minutes.
“You know, we were losing the game, I don’t know what the ref wants from me.”
Martinez continued: “And then, there was no ball on the penalty spot and I ask for a ball from the ball boy and then I get booked. I just don’t understand the rules.”
Also Read: Who Is Emiliano Martinez’s Wife? See Pictures
Manager Unai Emery had some words about Martnez: “He is very important for us. He has his personality and his personality in the dressing room is very important because he is a leader with his experiences. He has a really brilliant mentality.
“And then on the pitch he has his personality and he played fantastic. He saved two penalty shots so of course I am very proud of him. I am very proud of all the players.”
