by Enzo Maresca has lamented Lisandro Martinez’s lucky escape, after the Manchester United defender avoided a “clear” red card in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea.
Martinez was booked for a cynical foul on Chelsea star Cole Palmer late in the meeting at Old Trafford and briefly looked in danger of it being upgraded as a VAR review was flagged.
However, referee Rob Jones was not asked to review the decision and his first on-field appeal was allowed, although Martinez caught Palmer high on the knee.
“I think it’s pretty clear to all of us, but the referee is there to make a decision and he made a different decision,” said Maresca, who confronted Jones after the full-time whistle.
“I said, for me, when there is no intention to go for the ball and you go for the player, it’s a red.
“To be honest, they didn’t say anything. When there is no intention to go for the ball and we go for the player, the legs, there is no doubt about the decision.
“I think it’s clear it’s a red.”
The official explanation of the incident given by the Premier League Match Center stated that VAR had deemed Martinez’s tackle “to be a reckless challenge and not a serious criminal act”, and therefore did not merit improvement.
However, Sky Sports pundits have been scathing in their criticism of the Argentine.
#MUNCHE – 90+3′
The referee issued a yellow card to Martinez for a challenge on Palmer. VAR checked for a potential red card and upheld the referee’s call that there was no red card, ruling that it was a reckless challenge and not a serious criminal act.
– Premier League Match Center (@PLMatchCentre) November 3, 2024
“Lucky boy,” said former United midfielder Roy Keane. “He won’t be happy with Palmer making fun of him.” It’s a nasty tackle.
“He’s a lucky boy. If he was kicked out, I don’t think we would complain.
“It’s reckless, it’s mean, he knows exactly what he’s doing,” added Jamie Redknapp. “He has this mean side to him. It’s not necessary.
