Argentina Goalkeeper Martinez Accused of Assaulting Cameraman
Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has been accused of assaulting a cameraman after his team’s 2-1 loss to Colombia in a FIFA World Cup qualification match. The incident occurred in Barranquilla, where Martinez was seen pushing a camera away after a frustrating match in which he faced constant boos from the Colombian crowd.
Jhonny Jackson, the cameraman for Caracol Television and RCN Deportes, alleged that Martinez “slapped” him. Jackson stated that he pointed the camera at Martinez when the goalkeeper was shaking hands with another player. “Out of the blue, he slapped me. I felt angry, very angry. I was working, just like he was,” Jackson told RCN Deportes.
The Colombia Association of Sports Journalists (ACORD) has called on FIFA to take action against Martinez. “As the journalistic authority in this country, ACORD wants FIFA to produce an exemplary sanction against Mr. Emiliano Dibú Martínez, who is no role model for new generations,” said ACORD president Faiver Hoyos Hernández in a statement.
However, AP reports that Jackson later sent a reconciliatory 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 is 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 said.
In the match itself, Colombia avenged their Copa America final loss to Argentina with a 2-1 victory. Captain James Rodriguez scored from the penalty spot and assisted on the opening goal by Yerson Mosquera. Argentina equalized through Nico Gonzalez, but Rodriguez’s penalty in the 60th minute secured the win for Colombia.
Despite the loss, Argentina remain top of the South American World Cup qualifying standings with 18 points after eight matches, two points ahead of Colombia. All teams have two more qualifying matches next month, with the top six teams earning automatic spots at the 2026 World Cup.
