Goalkeepers are often the heart of a team. Just take Argentina’s Emiliano Martinez‘s example; no matter how much opponents despise getting up against him during shootouts, the keeper continues to live rent-free in their heads with his antics. England star Jordan Pickford also tried to play mind games with Switzerland’s Manuel Akanji during their penalty shootout but was stopped by the referee. Despite the interruption, England kept their calm as they secured the win over their opponents.

Pickford was full of praise for his team following the win as he stated, “Another great night, another grind but that’s what football is about. We knew the Swiss were a good side, any side in the European Championship is a good side. We never took it for granted and played like we planned, we were resilient. Bukayo came up with something special and we had the substitutes grind out and make an impact. What a game!”

However, while England may have secured the win, Jordan Pickford was quite displeased with the match official interrupting him during their penalty shootout. Talking about the brief disruption, the goalkeeper claimed, “Firstly the referee didn’t let me do my usual process, so I have got to adapt. Then I could only do what I had to do and luckily I saved it.“

This is not the first time goalkeepers have spoken out against referees trying to break their flow. Most goalies like playing mind games with their opponents, which includes some time-wasting strategies. UEFA has doubled down on their approach to stop it, something which hasn’t gone down well.

Emiliano Martinez’s comments resurface after Jordan Pickford questions referee

FIFA made massive changes to their goalkeeping rules last year after Emiliano Martinez’s antics during the 2022 World Cup. Opposition teams were not pleased with the keeper for disturbing the players before spot-kicks, as it took away from their concentration. While goalkeepers felt it was just a part of their game, others were not convinced and appreciated FIFA introducing the new rules.

In the wake of Jordan Pickford’s comments, Emiliano Martinez’s claims have resurfaced with the keeper stating the new rules were taking the fun out of the spot kicks. Martinez then laughed off the rule change, adding, “My thoughts on the new FIFA rule so goalkeepers not destabilize penalty kickers? It’s too late..[laughs] It’s done, it’s done! I got what I wanted to get. They can change the rules or what they want. It doesn’t affect me.”

It will be interesting to see what people have to say with Jordan Pickford also voicing his disappointment with the interruption. What’s your take on the situation? Sound off in the comments below.