PSG Fans Target Aston Villa Keeper Martinez with Boos and Whistles

Aston Villa’s goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez, faced a torrent of boos, whistles, and jeers from Paris St Germain fans prior to their first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals on Wednesday.

The Argentine star, referred to as a ‘master of provocation’ by the French sports publication L’Equipe, was spotted wearing a hat that celebrated the Albicelestes’ triumph while obscuring the French cockerel emblem on Tuesday.

Martinez had previously taunted Kylian Mbappe, following Argentina’s penalty shootout victory over France in the 2022 World Cup final, and made crude gestures during his acceptance of the tournament’s golden glove.

He also silenced the Lille crowd as Villa knocked them out on penalties in last season’s Europa Conference League.

“He has matured, taken on more responsibility, and is improving at managing his emotions,” Villa manager Unai Emery remarked on Tuesday.

“There is a noticeable difference between when he first joined Aston Villa five or six years ago and now.”