Fans have bombarded Emiliano Martinez with messages after the Aston Villa star's heroics in his side's penalty shootout victory over Lille on Thursday night, with one supporter even dubbing him 'the trauma of the French'.
The goalkeeper received a hostile reception at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy, with French fans still livid with the Argentina international for his antics in the final of the 2022 World Cup.
That night, Martinez goaded French players as he saved penalties in the shootout - with Argentina proceeding to win the prestigious prize for the first time since 1986.
The 31-year-old, against Lille, was the pantomime villain.
Emiliano Martinez saved two penalties to help Aston Villa to Lille UEFA Conference League win
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Martinez played up to the hostility inside the ground, relishing the chance to silence fans.
And while he was booked twice, he was able to stay on the field due to a little-known rule.
According to IFAB law 10, warnings and cautions issued during the match are not carried forward into kicks from the penalty mark.
Martinez saved two penalties to help Villa through to the semi-finals of the UEFA Conference League.
They will now face Olympiacos in the last four, though Martinez is expected to be suspended for that fixture.
Yet fans on social media loved Martinez's shenanigans, with many pointing out how he's now broken the hearts of French fans once again.
"You're the trauma of the French. As long as emilianoooo," wrote one user on his Instagram page.
A second wrote: "They whistle at him. They insult him for a whole game. They throw things at him from the stands. And he still managed to beat them despite everything. Simply dibu Martínez."
A third said: "French Crying Again FR."
Another praised Martinez by saying: "You are immense Emilian.. I can't stop loving you more every day!"
A fifth said: "The best goalkeeper on the planet and it’s not even close."
And a sixth stated: "Owner of France."
Martinez was asked about his behaviour after the match - with the Argentina international defending himself amid criticism from some corners.
"I just got a bad reputation for time-wasting because the other goalie [Lucas Chevalier] was doing exactly the same thing," he said.
"I get booked after 30 minutes and we're losing the game, so I don't know what the ref wants from me."
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Emiliano Martinez was the pantomime villain as Aston Villa stunned Lille in the UEFA Conference League
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He continued: "And then again, there was no ball on the penalty spot and I'm asking for a ball to a ball boy and then I get booked.
"I just don't understand the rules."
Villa boss Unai Emery opted to hail Martinez for his penalty heroics, adding: "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.
Emiliano Martinez has defended himself after angering fans during Aston Villa's stunning win over Lille
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"He saved two penalty shots so of course I am very proud of him. I am very proud of all the players."
On whether he thought Martinez had been dismissed, he added: "Yes.
"But the rules are like that. Yesterday you [the media] were all asking about me about the reception he will get here in France and you could see it throughout the game.
"He is very experienced and he was trying to control his emotions but the supporters were pushing him.
"I believe in him and he is mature but with personality. He is always under his own control."
