Revealed: Emiliano Martinez will MISS Aston Villa’s Conference League semi-final first leg against Olympiacos after picking up two yellow cards versus Lille despite avoiding red card due to little-known rule

Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is set to miss the first leg of his side’s Europa Conference League semi-final at home to Aston Villa after picking up two yellow cards against Lille.

As reported by The Telegraph, Martinez will be suspended despite the fact that he wasn’t sent off against Lille due to a little-known rule.

Martinez has received his first yellow card of the game for timewasting in the 28th minute. 

The 31-year-old got another booking during the penalty shootout after celebrating by putting his finger to his lips after saving Nabil Bentaleb’s spot-kick. 

However, Martinez was able to remain on the pitch due to a rule which states that all bookings are reset before shootouts. 

Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is set to be suspended for the first leg v Olympiacos

Martinez got two yellow cards against Lille but was still able to be involved in the shootout

However, Martinez will still be missing through suspension for the first leg against Olympiacos, which means that Robin Olsen is likely to play.

Commenting on the incident, Martinez told TNT Sports: ‘It’s all about reputation because the other goalie was doing exactly the same thing (time wasting in normal play),’ said Martinez. ‘I got a yellow after 30 minutes and we were losing the game so I don’t know what the ref wants from me.

‘Then there was no ball on the penalty spot during the shoot out. I was asking for a ball from the ball boy and I get booked. I just don’t understand the rules.’

Martinez was booed throughout the game by Lille supporters as a result of his antics during Argentina’s penalty shootout victory against France in the 2022 World Cup final.

Aston Villa went into Thursday’s game with a 2-1 lead from the first leg. However, the game went to penalties after Lille won 2-1 in the second leg.

Yusuf Yazici had put Lille in front on the night, with Benjamin Andre then getting on the scoresheet. A late goal from Matty Cash meant that extra-time and eventually penalties followed.

Martinez kept out Benjamin Andre’s effort in the shoot-out as Villa secured their place in the last four. 

Martinez saved the decisive spot-kick from Benjamin Andre as Villa managed to prevail

Villa, who are in fourth place in the Premier League, are also looking to secure qualification for next season’s Champions League.

Unai Emery’s side host Bournemouth on Sunday in their next fixture.