Why Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was not sent off after two yellow cards

For many football fans when a player is shown a yellow card it indicates that the player has broken the rules, and cautioned. But upon a second yellow card, the player is sent off. However, Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was not sent off despite getting two yellow cards, one in normal time and another during the penalty shootout.

Many football fans are shocked and confused over the incident. Here is an explanation.

Emiliano Martínez saved the first penalty and shushed the Lille fans. As a result, he received his second yellow card for engaging with the crowd. However, he remained in the shootout.

Combing through comments from fans and people who watch the match between Aston Villa and Lille they concluded it was mistake committed by the referee. Their argument is that Emiliano Martinez was on his second yellow card.

Why then did this happen?

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) make laws that govern football matches played. IFAB rule 10.3 states that bookings after 90 minutes and extra time of play are not carried through to penalties.

“warnings and cautions issued to players and team officials during the match are not carried forward into penalties (penalty shoot-out),” the law states.

But a player who was shown a red card during the game cannot take part. Players, substitutes, substituted players and team officials can get a red or yellow card during penalties.

Aston Villa beat Lille 4-3 on penalties after it ended 3-3 on aggregate in regulation time. They join Club Brugge, Fiorentina and Olympiacos in the Europa Conference League semi-final.