Argentina goal-keeper Emiliano Martinez accused of assaulting TV cameraman
Emiliano Martinez, the Argentine goal-keeper, is facing accusations of assaulting a TV cameraman following his side's 2-1 win over Colombia in a FIFA World Cup qualifier. The incident was reported by Jhonny Jackson, an employee for a company that delivers footage to Caracol Television and RCN Deportes. Jackson claimed that the unexpected attack occurred as he approached Martinez post-match in Barranquilla on Tuesday.
Cameraman's account of the incident
Jackson detailed the incident to RCN Deportes on Wednesday, stating that Martinez, known as Dibu in Argentina, hit his camera causing it to fall. "Out of the blue he slapped me," Jackson said. "I felt angry, very angry. I was working, just like he was. He was playing and I was shooting with my camera." Despite his anger over the incident, Jackson extended a message of understanding toward Martinez.
Cameraman's message to Martinez post-incident
In a message to Martinez, Jackson said, "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." This statement suggests that while upset by the incident, Jackson acknowledges the emotional toll of Argentina's loss on Martinez.
ACORD calls for action against Martinez
In response to the incident, Colombia's association of sports journalists, ACORD, has called for FIFA to take disciplinary action against Martinez. The president of ACORD, Faiver Hoyos Hernandez, stated that "Martinez attacked freedom of expression." He further added that "As the journalistic authority in this country, ACORD wants FIFA to produce an exemplary sanction against Mr. Emiliano Dibu Martinez."
