Aston Villa star dragged away by staff after being left 'rattled' by fans following Arsenal defeat

Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 31/12/2025

- 09:27

The visitors were thumped 4-1 at the Emirates Stadium

Emiliano Martinez had to be physically restrained following Aston Villa's comprehensive 4-1 loss to Arsenal on Tuesday evening after home supporters taunted him in the tunnel.

Fan footage captured the 33-year-old goalkeeper reacting furiously to goading from Arsenal fans as he made his way down the tunnel at full-time.


The Argentine initially appeared to brush off the provocation with a smile before seemingly preparing to confront the supporters directly.

One fan could be heard shouting: "You're not dancing now are you?"

Martinez, known for his provocative celebrations, was pulled away before the situation could escalate further at his former club.

The World Cup winner endured a difficult night between the posts, particularly for Arsenal's opener when Gabriel Magalhaes dominated him at a corner before he failed to collect the ball.

Martin Zubimendi doubled the hosts' advantage, with Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus completing the rout before Ollie Watkins netted a late consolation for the visitors in stoppage time.

Emi Martinez

Emi Martinez previously spent a decade at Arsenal between 2010 and 2020

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GETTY

The heavy defeat brought an abrupt end to Villa's remarkable run of 11 consecutive victories, with the typically combative goalkeeper unable to prevent the collapse at the Emirates.

Martinez could do little to stop the subsequent goals after his shaky start to proceedings.

Following the match, the Argentina international took to social media but chose not to address the confrontation with supporters.

Five facts about the Premier LeagueFive facts about the Premier League | PA/GETTY/REUTERS/GBNEWS

Instead, the goalkeeper posted a photograph of Gabriel's goal accompanied by the caption: "The best team won today, we still in good position for the 2nd part of the season. #elbowallow."

The hashtag appeared to suggest he felt Gabriel had used his elbow unfairly in the build-up to the opening goal.

Martinez spent a decade at Arsenal between 2010 and 2020, lifting the FA Cup under Mikel Arteta and starting the subsequent Community Shield triumph.

He departed for Villa Park in a deal worth up to £20million after Bernd Leno's return from injury limited his playing opportunities.

Arsenal supporters revelled in seeing Martinez unsettled, with many taking to social media to express their delight at the goalkeeper's reaction.

One wrote: "Emi Martinez rattled aren't you?" while another described the footage as "sensational" and a "cherry on top."

Arsenal Aston Villa

Arsenal were outstanding as they thumped Aston Villa 4-1 at the Emirates Stadium

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GETTY

One fan commented: "For someone who rattles people, Emi sure can't handle it well can he?"

Despite spending 10 years with the north London club, Martinez has lost favour with many Arsenal supporters since his departure.

Villa boss Unai Emery also found himself at the centre of tunnel talk after missing the post-match handshake with Arteta, though both managers insisted there was no issue between them.

Arsenal are next in action against Bournemouth on Saturday.

The Cherries drew 2-2 with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last night.

As for Villa, they're set to face Nottingham Forest on Saturday themselves (12.30pm).