Aston Villa expect Emiliano Martinez to be suspended for the first leg of their UEFA Conference League clash with Olympiacos following his penalty shootout heroics against Lille on Thursday night, according to reports.
The Argentina international received two yellow cards during the showdown in France after riling fans inside the Stade Pierre-Mauroy - but avoided a red due to a little-known rule.
According to IFAB law 10, warnings and cautions issued during the match are not carried forward into kicks from the penalty mark.
This is how Martinez was able to stay on, with the former Arsenal star saving two spot-kicks.
Emiliano Martinez saved two penalties as Aston Villa beat Lille in the UEFA Conference League on Thursday night
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However, according to Birmingham World, Aston Villa expect Martinez to be suspended for the first leg of their upcoming semi-final clash with Olympiacos.
Villa believe that, because their No 1 was booked three times across the two legs of the quarter-finals, Martinez won't be available for selection.
UEFA rules actually state that 'all yellow cards expire on completion of the quarter-finals'.
However, the bizarre circumstances surrounding the cautions Martinez received could end up coming into play.
Because the 31-year-old acquired his two yellows during and up to the end of the quarter-final second leg, in addition to being booked in the first fixture, his ban seemingly carries over.
Villa are unlikely to be too concerned, however.
They're a club on the up right now and managed to scrape past Lille, despite losing 2-1 on the night.
Yusuf Yazici and Benjamin Andre struck for the hosts, who were on the verge of going through.
Yet Villa forced extra-time, and later penalties, after a goal from Matty Cash in the 87th minute.
Martinez was asked about his antics after the game, with the shot-stopper then defending himself.
"I just got a bad reputation for time-wasting because the other goalie [Lucas Chevalier] was doing exactly the same thing," he said.
"I get booked after 30 minutes and we're losing the game, so I don't know what the ref wants from me."
He continued: "And then again, there was no ball on the penalty spot and I'm asking for a ball to a ball boy and then I get booked.
"I just don't understand the rules."
Villa boss Unai Emery hailed Martinez for his two penalty saves, insisting the goalkeeper is crucial to the team.
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Aston Villa expect Emiliano Martinez to be suspended for their UEFA Conference League clash with Olympiacos
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"He is very important for us," Emery said.
"He has his personality and his personality in the dressing room is very important because he is a leader with his experiences. He has a really brilliant mentality.
"And then on the pitch he has his personality and he played fantastic.
"He saved two penalty shots so of course I am very proud of him. I am very proud of all the players."
On whether he thought Martinez had been dismissed, he added: "Yes.
Emiliano Martinez was mobbed by his Aston Villa team-mates after his brilliant penalty heroics against Lille
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"But the rules are like that. Yesterday you [the media] were all asking about me about the reception he will get here in France and you could see it throughout the game.
"He is very experienced and he was trying to control his emotions but the supporters were pushing him.
"I believe in him and he is mature but with personality. He is always under his own control."
