Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has been accused of slapping him in the face by a cameraman on live television after Colombia’s 2-1 World Cup qualifier. Cameraman
Jonny Jackson told Colombian reporters he approached Martinez to film the keeper after the final whistle in Barranquilla on Tuesday
as the goalkeeper greeted another player. Footage captured the World Cup winner, known in Argentina as “Dibou,” slapping the cameraman, causing it to quickly fall to the ground.
“He just slapped me,” Jackson told RCN Deportes on Wednesday. “I was very angry. I was working with him. He was playing and I was recording with my camera.”
The cameraman also left a message for Martinez, saying: “Dibou, my little brother. How are you? I’m Jonny Jackson, the photographer you attacked in the match against Colombia. “
I just wanted to tell you that everything is okay, little brother. Everyone loses games in their lives. This defeat means a lot to you. But look ahead, Dibou.”
Jackson works for a company that supplies TV channels โปรโมชั่น ufabet and RCN Deportes.
Colombia’s Association of Sports Journalists (ACORD) has called on FIFA to punish Martinez, after a number of footballers have been banned for similar conduct in the past.
In a statement, the association’s president, Faiver Hoyos Hernandez, said Martinez had attacked freedom of expression.
“As the official media body in this country, ACORD demands FIFA to punish Emiliano Dibou Martinez as an example. He is not a good role model for the younger generation,” the statement said.
Neither Martinez nor South American soccer’s governing body, CONMEBOL. Have commented on the allegations. Argentina
currently lead the South American World Cup qualifiers with 18 points after eight matches, two ahead of Colombia.
All teams have two more qualifying matches next month, and the top six teams will automatically qualify for the 2026 World Cup.