Ahead of their clash with Aston Villa in the Europa League, Lille ultras reportedly attempted to charge towards Emiliano Martinez, requiring intervention from stewards.
The Argentine shot-stopper is no stranger to controversy, but this is the first time rival fans have resorted to physical violence in response to him.
Lille ultras charge towards Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez
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Lille supporters attempt to assault Emiliano Martinez
A few Lille supporters have tried to make a run at Emiliano Martinez but pulled back by stewards. He runs towards the Lille end, his eyes fixed – met with the sharpest whistles you’ll hear. #AVFC pic.twitter.com/2LghLwDAOX
— Jacob Tanswell (@J_Tanswell) April 18, 2024
After what was both a successful and incredibly controversial campaign at the 2022 Qatar World Cup for Martinez, the 31-year-old's celebrations in the final left a bitter taste in the mouths of many French supporters.
They felt as though his antics were disrespectful and excessive, with sections of the nation clearly still holding a very strong grudge against him.
As the above video shows, while the keeper is making his way towards his goal prior to kick-off, a handful of Lille ultras attempt to storm the pitch, and although we cannot know for sure as they were contained by stewards, Martinez was likely in a lot of danger.
Stewardship can at times be a thankless job, but those pictured in the video deserve a huge amount of credit for their quick reactions.
Why were Lille fans so angry?
Emiliano Martínez makes vulgar gesture with Golden Glove trophy after World Cup win https://t.co/yHwF3LPAIt pic.twitter.com/btBiTNAVN8
— New York Post (@nypost) December 18, 2022
Martinez had angered French supporters with unsportsmanlike celebrations after his side emerged victorious against France in the 2022 World Cup final.
His infamous obscene gesture with the Golden Glove trophy after the fact, an act he blamed on arrogant French fans, escalated the situation further. Then, as if he wasn't already public enemy number one in the country, the Aston Villa keeper was seen calling for a minute silence for France in the dressing room after the game.
Clearly, French supporters are yet to forgive him.
Lille ultras have previous
As is the case with the vast majority of ultras, this is not the first time that fans of the club have let their emotions lead them down an unsavoury path.
Amiens vs Lille – 2017
In 2017 during a match with Amiens a safety barrier collapsed, for which Lille supporters were blamed and resulted in four of their own supporters sustaining serious injuries.
Lille vs Everton – 2016
Three years prior to the above incident, a group of Everton fans were ambushed by a reported 100-strong mob of Lille ultras ahead of a Europa League clash between the two sides. A wide array of weapons were brandished, with metal chairs also used to attack supporters of the Merseyside club.