Emi Martinez ruins Premier League record with sending off at Man Utd

The Premier League had been without a goalkeeper red card all season but on the final weekend of the season Emi Martinez was sent-off for Aston Villa at Manchester United

Aston Villa’s Emi Martinez became the first goalkeeper to be sent-off in the Premier League this season – just 45 minutes before it ended.

The Argentine, who is heavily linked with the exit door, was given his marching orders in first-half stoppage time after clattering into Manchester United’s Rasmus Hojlund when he was through on goal. As last man the referee had no choice but to end his afternoon early.

Incredibly that makes Martinez the first goalkeeper to be sent-off this season despite the jeopardy that exists in his position. Often shotstoppers, as the last line of defence, can walk a tight rope but no one in between the sticks had been sent-off all season until the final day.

The Premier League Match Centre said: “The referee’s call of red card to Martinez for denial of an obvious goal scoring opportunity (DOGSO) was checked and confirmed by VAR.”

Villa now face an uphill battle in their pursuit of Champions League football. Unai Emery’s side needed a positive result in Manchester and was also in need of a favour elsewhere to finish in the top five.

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Martinez has also become the first goalkeeper sine records began in 2003/04 to make five saves and get sent-off in the first half of a Premier League game.

The World Cup winner has been a huge part of Villa’s recent rise but is being heavily linked with a move away from Villa Park. He signed from Arsenal and has gone on to become one of the world’s top goalkeepers with interest mounting – and Villa’s financial situation could force them into a sale.

Martinez cut an emotional figure after Villa’s win over Tottenham. He looked to be crying at full-time as he waved to the fans, which was interpreted as a potential farewell to the home fanbase.

Emery though has maintained that the goalkeeper is not going anywhere. He was askede whether the game in Manchester will be Martinez’s last for the club but replied: “No way!” The followed up by saying: “Definitely not, he’s staying at the club?” Emery then added: “See you later.”

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