Gabby Agbonlahor has leapt to the defence of Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez after his controversial antics during Argentina's penalty shootout victory over France in the World Cup final last week (18 December).
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Aston Villa's record Premier League goalscorer insisted Martinez's behaviour will be forgotten in a month.
The 30-year-old threw the ball away before Aurelien Tchouameni's spot-kick which he then put wide and saved Kingsley Coman's efforts.
He was shown a yellow card by the referee for his actions before Tchouameni's penalty.
Former World Cup referee Keith Hackett told Football Insider earlier this week (19 December) that the goalkeeper was “fortunate” to not be cautioned again and be handed a one-game ban.
“If I was Argentinian or if I was him, I wouldn't care less,” Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“In a month's time, people are not going to remember his behaviour. They are going to remember that Argentina have won another World Cup.
“Do what you can do. It's not as if he's tampered with the penalty spot or burst the ball.
“Yes, it wasn't good sportsmanship but sometimes you're that desperate to win a World Cup.
“It showed that Argentina were going to do anything they could to put off the French players.
“I had no problem with it and I don't think he will care one bit.
“He's in Argentina now celebrating a World Cup victory.”
Martinez is now likely to miss Aston Villa's next Premier League games as he celebrates his World Cup victory.
Unai Emery's side are next in action on Boxing Day when they host Liverpool.
In other news, Aston Villa have made a move to sign a forward Emery knows very well.