Buenos Aires: A television cameraman reported being slapped by Argentina’s goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez following Colombia’s victory of 2-1 in a World Cup qualifier.
Jhonny Jackson, the cameraman, stated to Colombian media that he was approaching Martinez for a post-match interaction in Barranquilla on Tuesday when the incident occurred. The footage he recorded shows Martinez, known to Argentines as Dibu, striking the camera, causing it to shake violently and fall to the ground.
Jackson expressed his shock and anger to RCN Deportes, saying, “He slapped me out of nowhere. I was just as much at work as he was; he was playing, and I was filming.”
He also addressed Martinez directly: “Dibu, my brother, how are you? I’m Jhonny Jackson, the cameraman you hit during the match against Colombia. I want to let you know it’s all good, my brother. Everyone has experienced a loss. This one affected you deeply. But you must move forward, Dibu.”
Jackson is employed by a firm that provides video content to Caracol Television and RCN Deportes.
In similar past incidents, footballers have faced suspensions, and the Colombian Association of Sports Journalists, ACORD, is urging FIFA to take similar disciplinary action against Martinez for what they describe as an attack on freedom of expression.
ACORD’s president, Faiver Hoyos Hernandez, has called for FIFA to impose a significant penalty on Martinez, stating, “As the journalistic authority in this country, we demand that FIFA sanction Emiliano Dibu Martinez, who does not exemplify the values we wish to instil in the coming generations.”
Neither Martinez nor the South American football governing body, CONMEBOL, have issued any statements on the matter.
Argentina currently tops the South American World Cup qualifiers with 18 points from eight games, leading Colombia by two points. With two more qualifying matches scheduled for next month, the top six teams will secure their places in the 2026 World Cup.
