‘It wasn’t gamesmanship’ – Simon Jordan says Emiliano Martinez was cheating with penalty shootout antics in Argentina’s World Cup final win over France

Simon Jordan believes Emiliano Martinez was cheating in Argentina’s World Cup final penalty shootout victory over France.

After a thrilling encounter that finished 3-3 in extra time, the match was decided from 12 yards where the goalkeeper became a hero.

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But his tactics caused controversy.

Just before Aurelien Tchouameni took his penalty, Martinez could be seen throwing the ball away in an attempt to put the Frenchman off.

Martinez’s actions appeared to work as the midfielder missed his spot-kick, but Jordan was not best pleased with how the Argentine acted.

“Martinez’s actions, I thought it was cheating, the holding of the ball and throwing it the other way,” he told talkSPORT.

“The goalkeeper’s actions, I don’t think it was gamesmanship, I don’t think it’s part of the game, I think it’s cheating.

He later added: “For a referee to allow the goalkeeper to manipulate the circumstances, to heighten the pressure, to increase it, I think was one of the shortcomings in that moment in time.”

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Martinez saved Kingsley Coman’s penalty before Tchouameni’s miss and was booked for his antics, before Gonzalo Montiel stepped up to win it for Argentine with the deciding kick.

It sparked huge celebrations in the changing room and back home in Buenos Aires, with Lionel Messi being one of the stars of the show once again.

The football legend has finally got his hands on the coveted trophy in what is likely his last appearance at the World Cup, with Argentina now the champions of the world.