Aston Villa's shot-stopper Emi Martinez, who has been linked with a move away from Villa Park this summer, was sent off on the final day of the season
16:51, 25 May 2025Updated 17:15, 25 May 2025
Emi Martinez's parting gift to Aston Villa fans could be a red card that left Darren Fletcher questioning what he's doing.
Manchester United had been by far the better side on the final day of the Premier League season as they looked to save face after their torrid display in Bilbao during the week.
And Martinez had to come to Villa's rescue - who had to win to book their spot in the Champions League next season - numerous times before he was caught lacking on the stroke of half-time.
The shot-stopper was caught in no man's land with Rasmus Hojlund through on goal - the Dane knocked the ball wide as Martinez clattered into the striker.
Fletcher, who was commentating for TNT Sports, was left dumbfounded by the Argentine's decision making. He believed Hojlund had gone too far wide, questioning what he was doing making the challenge.
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Meanwhile, Ally McCoist, who was on co-commentary, said the challenge was "outrageous" and "ridiculous".
Jamie Redknapp, who was a pundit for TNT Sports, described the challenge as a "moment of madness" and a "rush of blood to the head".
"That charge wouldn't have looked out of place at Murrayfield or Twickenham. It was a proper body check," Jason Mohammed said on BBC Final Score.
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Martinez has been linked with a move away from Villa Park this summer - with one of the potential destinations his opponents on Sunday, Manchester United.
However, other reports have linked the Argentine to Arsenal, with the Gunners questioning the ability of current sot-stopper David Raya. He has also been shortlisted by Real Madrid.
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Sunday could prove to be Martinez's swan song for Unai Emery's side.
VAR did check the challenge and a post on the Premier League's Match Centre account on X read: "The referee’s call of red card to Martinez for denial of an obvious goal scoring opportunity (DOGSO) was checked and confirmed by VAR."