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Xtra Time Web Desk: Argentina's Emiliano Martinez is facing allegations from a cameraman following the team’s 2-1 loss to Colombia in their FIFA World Cup qualifier in Barranquilla. After the match, Martinez was seen shoving a camera away in frustration, which led to Jhonny Jackson, a cameraman for Caracol Television and RCN Deportes, claiming that the goalkeeper slapped him.

Jackson described the incident, saying, “Out of the blue, he slapped me. I felt angry, very angry. I was working, just like he was,” during an interview with RCN Deportes. Jackson had been filming Martinez as he shook hands with another player when the alleged slap occurred.

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????????| Booed throughout the game against Colombia, Emi Martinez hit the @TyCSports camera in frustration after a 2-1 defeat ????????????

pic.twitter.com/qZZpFjLgPo

— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) September 11, 2024

The Colombia Association of Sports Journalists has urged FIFA to impose sanctions on Martinez. Faiver Hoyos Hernández, the president of ACORD, stated, “As the journalistic authority in this country, ACORD wants FIFA to produce an exemplary sanction against Mr. Emiliano Dibú Martínez, who is no role model for new generations."

Despite the tension, Jackson has since sent a conciliatory message to Martinez. He said, “Dibu, my brother, how are you? I am Jhonny Jackson, the cameraman you assaulted in the match against Colombia. I wanted to tell you it is all good, my brother. Everyone has lost a match in their life. This defeat clearly meant a lot to you. But look ahead, Dibu.”

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On the pitch, Colombia’s James Rodríguez made a significant impact, scoring a penalty and providing an assist in the 2-1 victory over Argentina. Yerson Mosquera’s goal in the 25th minute was initially countered by Nico Gonzalez’s equalizer for Argentina in the 48th minute. Rodríguez’s penalty in the 60th minute, awarded after a video review, secured the win.

Rodríguez remarked on the victory, saying, “It is a great win against an Argentina team that has won it all. The weather was tough, it was so hot, but we had an excellent match. It is a fair win.”

Despite the setback, Argentina remains at the top of the South American World Cup qualifying table with 18 points from eight matches, ahead of Colombia by two points. Both teams will play two more qualifiers next month, with the top six teams securing automatic spots for the 2026 World Cup.