Why was Emiliano Martinez not sent off for Aston Villa despite receiving 2 yellow cards? Little-known rule explored

Emiliano Martinez was not sent off despite receiving two yellow cards during Aston Villa's clash against Lille in the UEFA Europa Conference League quarterfinals second leg. The goalkeeper was able to escape a red card due to a lesser-known rule.

As per the rule, any yellow cards received during the game are reset at the beginning of a penalty shootout. Therefore, Martinez was able to continue the game despite receiving two yellow cards.

The Aston Villa goalkeeper received his first yellow card during normal time for wasting time. His second yellow came after he shushed the home fans after saving Lille's first penalty kick during the shootout.

Since Martinez's first yellow was reset at the beginning of the penalty shootout, his second yellow card did not require him to leave the pitch as is usually applicable during normal time.

Aston Villa went on to win the match 4-3 on penalties, with Emiliano Martinez being key to their victory by saving two crucial penalty kicks by Nabil Bentaleb and Benjamin Andre.

Emiliano Martinez celebrated Aston Villa's win with the travelling fans after leading them to victory

Aston Villa qualified for the UEFA Europa Conference League semifinals after knocking Lille out of the competition in the second leg of the quarterfinals on Thursday night (April 18).

Villa and Lille played out a 3-3 aggregate draw after Yusuf Yazici and Benjamin Andre scored two important goals on the night to give the home team the lead. However, Matty Cash scored a decisive goal at the 87th minute to bring Aston Villa back into the game.

Following a goalless extra time period, the game went to penalties. Emiliano Martinez saved two important spot-kicks, leading his club to victory. After saving the first penalty kick by Bentaleb, Martinez shushed the Lille fans and celebrated in front of them.

Fans of the French club had been disrespectful towards Martinez throughout the match because of his significant role in Argentina's victory over France in the 2022 World Cup final.

Emiliano Martinez went on to save another spot-kick by Lille's Benjamin Andre to give Aston Villa the much-needed victory. After the win, Martinez again celebrated with the away fans by walking across the pitch.

Aston Villa are set to face either Fenerbahce or Olympiacos in the Conference League semifinals.