A Colombian TV cameraman claims Argentina’s goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez “slapped” him following Colombia’s 2-1 victory in a World Cup qualifier.
Jhonny Jackson instructed native media that he approached Martinez on the remaining whistle in Barranquilla, the place the goalkeeper was greeting one other participant.
Video footage exhibits Martinez, identified to Argentines as “Dibu,” hitting the digital camera, inflicting it to jolt and fall to the bottom.
“Out of the blue, he slapped me,” Jackson instructed RCN Deportes on Wednesday. “I felt angry, very angry. I was working, just like he was. He was playing, and I was shooting with my camera.”
He additionally despatched a message to Martinez: “Dibu, my brother, how are you? I am Jhonny Jackson, the cameraman you assaulted in the match against Colombia. I wanted to tell you it’s all good, my brother. Everyone has lost a match in their life. This defeat clearly meant a lot to you. But look ahead, Dibu.”
Jackson works for a corporation that delivers footage to Caracol Television and RCN Deportes.
Footballers have been suspended from video games in related conditions, and Colombia’s affiliation of sports activities journalists, often known as ACORD, needs FIFA to do the identical. Its president, Faiver Hoyos Hernández, stated in a press release that Martinez attacked freedom of expression.
“As the journalistic authority in this country, ACORD wants FIFA to issue an exemplary sanction against Mr. Emiliano ‘Dibu’ Martinez, who is no role model for new generations,” the assertion stated.
Martinez and South American soccer physique CONMEBOL didn’t remark.
Argentina leads South American World Cup qualifying with 18 factors after eight matches, two factors forward of Colombia. All groups have two extra qualifying matches subsequent month. The high six groups will earn automated spots on the 2026 World Cup.
Source: www.dailysabah.com