The Premier League insist referee Robert Jones was right to not send off Lisandro Martinez after the Manchester United star made a late tackle on Cole Palmer.
Martinez, who started against Chelsea at centre-back alongside Matthijs de Ligt, went in late (and high!) on the Chelsea forward in the second half and many – including Roy Keane – felt the Argentina international was lucky to stay on the pitch.
United skipper Bruno Fernandes gave United the lead from the penalty spot with 20 minutes to go, although Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo equalised just four minutes later to claim a point for Enzo Maresca’s side.
One of the biggest talking points from the 1-1 draw came in stoppage time when Martinez left a mark on Palmer, after raising his foot to catch the Chelsea forward’s knee.
Palmer had flicked the ball into the air when Martinez caught him and referee Jones decided it warranted a yellow card. The tackle was more reckless than dangerous but Gary Neville on co-commentary pushed for Martinez to be sent for an early shower.
VAR reviewed the incident but did not see a reason to upgrade the booking to a red card.
A Premier League statement read (via The Mirror): “The referee issued a yellow card to Martinez for a challenge on Palmer. VAR checked for a potential red card and confirmed the referee’s call of no red card, deeming that it was a reckless challenge.”
Chelsea sweat on Cole Palmer’s injury
Martinez’s tackle on Palmer could have far bigger consequences for Chelsea if their star forward were to miss any time because of it.
Following the 1-1 draw at Old Trafford, Chelsea head coach Maresca revealed some concern about Palmer’s left knee, saying (via Football.London): “He was there in the changing room with ice. We are waiting now. Hopefully it is nothing important.
“[…] I think it is quite clear almost for all of us but the referees there did not take the decision and they made a different decision. […] For me, when there is no intention to go for the ball and he goes for the player. It’s a red. […] I think it is quite clear it is a red.”
Old Trafford just turned into the theatre of nightmares for Chelsea if this is the case. Palmer was their biggest threat going forward and you fancy something to happen when he gets on the ball.
