Colombian Association asks Dibu Martínez for attacking camerawoman

Argentine goalkeeper pushes camera after Argentina’s defeat to Colombia

The slap that Dibu Martínez gave the camera after Argentina’s defeat in the South American Qualifiers has repercussions in Colombia, where the match took place. The Colombian Association of Sports Journalists (ACORD) has demanded exemplary punishment for the Argentine goalkeeper from FIFA.

“Acord Colombia vehemently rejects the act of aggression by Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Dibu Martínez towards a cameraman at the end of the match. Throwing the cameraman’s equipment onto the pitch is an attack on freedom of expression that our union does not accept. Acord, as the sports journalism authority in the country, demands that FIFA impose an exemplary sanction on Mr. Emiliano Dibu Martínez, who is not an example for the new generations ,” the Colombian association said in a statement.

In an interview, the cameraman involved commented on the situation. Johnny Jackson said he felt “very angry” at the time of the attack.

– They blow the final whistle and, as a cameraman, I always look for reactions. I simply go onto the field, see Dibu, see him greeting a reserve goalkeeper and I approach him. And out of nowhere, Dibu knocks me down. That made me angry, very angry, because I was working, just like he was doing – said the cameraman, before showing understanding for the goalkeeper in a video on social media.

“Dibu, I wanted to tell you not to worry, in life everyone has lost games, maybe this defeat meant a lot to you, but keep moving forward.”

Of the two goals conceded by Dibu, the second was a penalty, converted by James Rodríguez. In the previous round of the Qualifiers, the goalkeeper took the Copa América trophy to his groin – the victory over Chile at the Monumental turned into a stage for celebrations for the continental tournament title. It was a repeat of the obscene image of the 2022 World Cup, when he stood out in the penalty shootout against France and shocked everyone with the celebration.

Argentina suffered its second defeat in the Qualifiers, but remains leader, with 18 points. In October, the three-time world champion will face Venezuela, away, and Bolivia, at home .