Argentina keeper Martinez gets two-game ban for offensive behaviour

Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has been banned for two matches for offensive behaviour by the ruling body FIFA, his national federation AFA said on Saturday.

Martinez was sanctioned for holding a replica Copa America trophy against his crotch after a 3-0 World Cup qualifying win over Chile on September 5, similar to what he did with the best goalkeeper award after Argentina's 2022 World Cup title.

Five days later the Aston Villa keeper hit a camera with his glove after being approached by a cameraman following a 2-1 defeat in a qualifier against Colombia.

The AFA said it "strongly disagrees" with the decision from the FIFA disciplinary committee which rated the incidents offensive behaviour and a violation of the principles of fair play.

Martinez will have to sit out October qualifiers against Venezuela and Bolivia.