Emiliano Martinez's ‘farewell’ match turns sour with red card

EMI MARTINEZ was shown a red card for a moment of madness in what could be his final game for Aston Villa.

The keeper brutally wiped out Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund after rushing off his line.

A weak back pass looked to have put Hojlund through on goal - with Martinez charging out of his box.

But Hojlund knocked it past the Villa keeper - who wiped out United's front man to leave referee Thomas Bramall no choice but to send him off.

Villa blew their bid for Champions League football thanks to Amad Diallo's opener and Christian Eriksen's penalty.

But the game was not without even MORE controversy.

United keeper Altay Bayindir spilled the ball and Morgan Rogers fired home into an empty net, thinking he had put Villa 1-0 up.

But the referee had INCORRECTLY blown the whistle before the ball had crossed the line, and there was nothing VAR could do to correctly award the goal.

This obviously left Villa's players and manager Unai Emery utterly incensed and proved a MAJOR turning point in the game.

It was meant to be a farewell match for 2022 World Cup winner Martinez - who already waved goodbye to Villa fans in their last game at Villa Park.

And as revealed by SunSport, he is also a target for Arsenal who are eyeing a reunion with the Argentine.

If Martinez is to remain in the Premier League - he will start next season with a three match ban.

The Gunners fear their No1 David Raya wants a move back to Spain.

Martinez, 32, would jump at a second chance to man the sticks at the Emirates should the deal come round.

Spaniard Raya, 29, is being linked with moves to La Liga after establishing himself as the Gunners No .1.

The former Blackburn prospect is short-listed at Real Madrid as a long-term replacement for Thibaut Courtois.

While he is also on the radar at neighbours Atletico — who fear Jan Oblak could be tempted by Saudi Arabian cash.

Raya has been one of the Premier League's standout goalkeepers in recent seasons and, should he keep a clean sheet against Southampton on Sunday, will win consecutive Golden Glove awards.

Despite his impressive form, Arsenal would be open to selling him if the price was right.

The Gunners know that Martinez could be bought, but they will have to be quick with Middle East clubs keen too.

Martinez looked as though he waved goodbye to the Villa Park faithful when the Villans played their final home game of the season last weekend.

The shot-stopper was in tears as he walked off the pitch following Villa's 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur.

Martinez joined Villa in 2020 following a breakout period of success at Arsenal under Mikel Arteta, coming in for the injured Bernd Leno and helping the Gunners win the FA Cup.

Since his switch to the Midlands, the former Reading and Rotherham loanee has won the Copa America twice, the World Cup and been named Fifa's Best Keeper in the World two times.