Aston Villa vs Everton second half delay as Emiliano Martinez targeted by fan

Aston Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez. (Image: Getty)

The second half of the Premier League clash between Aston Villa and Everton was delayed after a fan entered the field and tried to make their way towards Emiliano Martinez. The Argentine had endured a difficult first half, at fault for Dwight McNeil's opening goal.

He then conceded a second from Dominic Calvert-Lewin's header, before Ollie Watkins pulled one back as the hosts trailed 2-1 at the break.

But the visitors waited to restart matters, Sky Sports commentator Rob Hawthorne was forced to clarify the situation to viewers.

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"The kick-off for the second half has been delayed because an interloper tried to get towards Emi Martinez," he said. "He's being led away."

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Co-commentator Jamie Carragher saw the funny side, laughing as he asked: "What did you call him? An interloper?" Hawthorne responded: "I was trying to think of a poilte word."

Carragher then suggested the term he was looking for was "idiot," to which the reply was "well it begins with the last letter." The disruption only caused a brief delay however, with stewards swiftly dealing with the situation.

Dwight McNeil left Martinez on the deck after scoring in the first half. (Image: Getty)

Ironically, just moments after play did get underway Martinez was booked by referee Craig Pawson for delaying the restart of play. It appeared an unnecessary caution, but one which prompted cheers from the away fans.

However, the despair of the player was soon turned around as Watkins leveled for Villa. And then with 12 minutes left, substitute Jhon Duran struck in stunning fashion to complete a memorable comeback.

The 32-year-old has long proved a divisive figure, and courted controversy following his country's 2022 World Cup win in Qatar with his lewd trophy celebrations. He also led derogatory chants about France star Kylian Mbappe, behaviour he repeated after Argentina's Copa America triumph this summer.

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And he hit the headlines for the wrong reasons again during the recent international break. After his side's 1-0 defeat to Colombia in World Cup qualifying, he reacted by hitting a camera as he made his way to the dressing room.

But he has also established a reputation for being one of the best current keepers in the world. And his form was rewarded this month when he was one of 30 players nominated for the 2024 Ballon d'Or award.

Aston Villa vs Everton second half delay as Emiliano Martinez targeted by fan

Aston Villa vs Everton second half delay as Emiliano Martinez targeted by fan

Aston Villa vs Everton second half delay as Emiliano Martinez targeted by fan

Aston Villa vs Everton second half delay as Emiliano Martinez targeted by fan

Aston Villa vs Everton second half delay as Emiliano Martinez targeted by fan