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Emiliano Martinez, Argentina goalie might be in trouble as the Colombian Association of Sports Journalists - 'ACORD Colombia' issued a strong statement against Martinez who slapped a journalist’s camera. The incident happened after Colombia beat Argentina in the FIFA World Cup South America region qualifier game. Colombia beat the World Cup holders 2-1 and after the game, Martinez was shaking hands with his opponents, one of them was his Aston Villa teammate, Jhon Jader Duran. After exchanging his greeting with Duran, the FIFA World Cup 2022 winner slapped the camera with his gloves.
The incident was captured on a camera that was broadcasting the Colombia vs Argentina game in Barranquilla. This incident has led to the Colombian Association of Sports Journalists - 'ACORD Colombia' issue a strong statement urging FIFA to take a strict action against the veteran goalkeeper. “As the journalistic authority in this country, ACORD wants FIFA to produce an exemplary sanction against Mr. Emiliano Dibú Martínez, who is no role model for new generations," the statement said.
Emiliano Martinez slapped me out of the blue: Jhonny Jackson
TV cameraperson, Johnny Jackson who got caught up in the camera-slapping incident, said that he was slapped out of nowhere. The footage clearly shows that the camera quickly shaking to the ground. Jackson called Martinez by his nickname ‘Dibu’ and said that there are no harsh feelings from his end. Jackson added that the veteran goalie needs to move on from the loss.
“Out of the blue he slapped me,” Jackson told RCN Deportes on Wednesday. “I felt angry, very angry. I was working, just like he was. He was playing and I was shooting with my camera." He also sent a message to Martínez: “Dibu, my brother, how are you? I am Jhonny Jackson, the cameraman you assaulted in the match against Colombia. I wanted to tell you it is all good, my brother. Everyone has lost a match in their life. This defeat clearly meant a lot to you. But look ahead, Dibu.”
