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'Very stupid', 'Disgraceful' - Aston Villa fans can't believe latest footage of Emiliano Martinez's clash with police
Football fans have reacted to footage of Aston Villa and Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez stepping in to help his countrymen fend off Brazillian police as the two nations clashed on Tuesday night (21 November).
The 31-year-old, who can be seen jumping into the crowd in footage posted to X by TyC Sports, started in goal as Argentina ran out 1-0 winners at the Maracana.
Police had charged Argentine fans before kick-off, which led captain Lionel Messi to walk his players off the pitch and meant a 28-minute delay to proceedings.
Nicolas Otamendi eventually scored the winner for the world champions to deal Brazil their first-ever home defeat in a World Cup qualifier.
Martinez is next in action for Aston Villa on Sunday (26 November) when the Premier League high-fliers clash with Tottenham.
Villa and Spurs sit fifth and fourth in the table respectively and are separated by just one point.
One fan described the shot-stopper, who won the Yashin Trophy at the Ballon d’Or awards earlier last month, as a “man of the people”.
More fans insisted Martinez deserves respect for his intervention.
One fan slammed the “disgraceful” actions of the Brazillian police.
Meanwhile, some fans were concerned about Martinez potentially picking up an injury after clashing with the baton-wielding police.
Some fans even suggested the goalkeeper could “easily” be charged with assault on a police officer.
Finally, one supporter suggested Martinez should be “fined” for intervening.
In other news, Aston Villa plot sensational new striker raid.