MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 25: Emiliano Martinez of Aston Villa reacts after being shown a red card for a foul on Rasmus Hojlund of Manchester United (not pictured) during the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Aston Villa FC at Old Trafford on May 25, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Emiliano Martinez was shown a red card just before half-time
The Premier League have explained why Emiliano Martinez was sent off for Aston Villa in their decisive clash with Manchester United. Martinez, 32, charged out of his goal following a weak pass from team-mate Matty Cash and clattered into United striker Rasmus Hojlund well outside of his area.
Referee Thomas Bramall had no choice but to shown the goalkeeper a red card with the scoreline 0-0 just before half-time. The Premier League's Match Centre account on X soon posted: "The referee's call of red card to Martinez for denial of an obvious goal scoring opportunity (DOGSO) was checked and confirmed by VAR."
Martinez became the first goalkeeper to be sent off in the Premier League this season in what could be his final game for Villa. The Argentina international is of interest to clubs in Saudi Arabia while he's also been linked with United and former team Arsenal.
Following their last home game of the season against Tottenham last Friday, Martinez was emotional as he applauded Villa's supporters. Following his sending-off, manager Unai Emery sacrificed Marco Asensio to bring on second-choice goalkeeper Robin Olsen.
The Swede's contract expires next month and he also looks set to leave Villa Park. Villa had to win and hope that sides above them dropped points in order to qualify for the Champions League next season.
Martinez might not be part of whichever European adventure they're in for next season. Emery, though, scoffed at suggestions that the trip to Old Trafford would be the 32-year-old's final game in a Villa shirt.
"No way!" Emery told TNT Sports pre-match. When asked if Martinez would be staying at the club, the Spaniard bluntly replied: "See you later."
Emery had said after the Tottenham game: "We will see. Of course, it is the last match here [this season], and I don't know. We will see about the team, the players, but of course, they are responding on the field."
There will be more to follow on this breaking news story and Mirror Sport will bring you the very latest updates, pictures and video as soon as possible.
Pleasecheck back regularly for updates on this developing story.
Follow us on Google News, Flipboard, Apple News, Twitter, Facebook or visit The Mirror homepage.