Argentina's Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez Under Fire for Striking TV Cameraman After Defeat Against Colombia
Argentina's star goalkeeper, Emiliano "Dibu" Martinez, has found himself embroiled in controversy after allegedly slapping a TV cameraman following Argentina's 2-1 defeat to Colombia in a crucial World Cup qualifying match. The incident took place on Tuesday in Barranquilla, leaving fans and media outlets across South America buzzing with mixed reactions.
The cameraman, Jhonny Jackson, who works for media companies that supply footage to Caracol Television and RCN Deportes, approached Martinez at the final whistle. Jackson, who was filming the aftermath of the intense match, captured a moment that would later go viral. As Martinez greeted another player on the field, Jackson's footage shows the World Cup-winning goalkeeper hitting the camera, causing it to shake and fall to the ground.
“Out of nowhere, he slapped me,” Jackson told RCN Deportes. “I was working, just like he was. He was playing, and I was filming the game with my camera. I was shocked and angered by his reaction.”
https://app.delenta.com/ta/teasingmastertakagisan2024/@teasingmastertakagisan https://app.delenta.com/ta/@achillescurse https://achillescurse.dubb.com/v/BvMzcK https://badgenius.dubb.com/v/XNV2dZ https://taklee-genesis-hd.dubb.com/v/13J7CF https://taklee-genesis.dubb.com/v/bURwdS https://lahnmah2024-hd.dubb.com/v/4OTXb0 https://case-closed-the-million-dol-shop.fourthwall.com/products/new-digital-product
Despite the unpleasant incident, Jackson later addressed Martinez directly, offering a somewhat forgiving tone. “Dibu, my brother, how are you? I’m the cameraman you hit during the match against Colombia. I just want to tell you that it's all good. Everyone has lost a match in their life, and this defeat clearly affected you. But look ahead, Dibu,” Jackson said in a video message.
While Jackson appeared to downplay the incident, the Colombian Association of Sports Journalists (ACORD) has taken a more serious stance. The organization is calling on FIFA to issue a firm punishment against Martinez for his actions. Faiver Hoyos Hernandez, president of ACORD, stated in a formal request that the goalkeeper’s behavior undermined the freedom of the press and should not be overlooked.
“As the journalistic authority in this country, ACORD demands that FIFA impose an exemplary sanction on Emiliano 'Dibu' Martínez, who, through his actions, fails to serve as a role model for future generations,” Hoyos Hernandez said in the statement.
At this point, neither Martinez nor the South American football governing body, CONMEBOL, has issued any official comments regarding the incident. Argentina, which remains at the top of the South American World Cup qualifying table with 18 points, is facing increasing pressure, especially with only two qualifying matches left in the campaign.
The controversy comes at a critical time for the team, as they look to secure an automatic spot in the 2026 World Cup. The top six teams from the region will qualify, and while Argentina is still in the lead, tensions are undoubtedly high both on and off the field.
This incident raises concerns about player conduct and the treatment of media personnel, particularly in high-stakes matches where emotions are often at their peak. All eyes will be on FIFA and CONMEBOL to see how they respond to this altercation, and whether Martinez will face disciplinary action for his outburst.