Enzo Maresca bemoaned Lisandro Martinez’s lucky escape, after the Manchester United defender avoided a “clear” red card during 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 that being upgraded as a VAR review was signalled.
However, referee Rob Jones was not asked to review the decision and his initial on-field call allowed to stand, despite Martinez catching Palmer high on the knee.
“I think it’s quite clear for all of us but the referee is there to make a decision and he took a different decision,” said Maresca, who confronted Jones after the full-time whistle.
“I said, for me, when there’s 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 you go for the player, for the legs, there is no doubt about the decision.
“I think it’s quite clear it’s a red.”
The Premier League Match Centre’s official explanation of the incident said that the VAR had deemed Martinez’s tackle “was a reckless challenge and not serious foul play”, and was therefore not worthy of upgrading.
However, Sky Sports’ pundits were scathing in their criticism of the Argentine.
#MUNCHE – 90+3’
— Premier League Match Centre (@PLMatchCentre) November 3, 2024
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 and not serious foul play.
“Lucky boy,” former United midfielder Roy Keane said. “He won’t be happy with Palmer making a fool of him. It’s a nasty tackle.
“He’s a lucky boy. If he got sent off, I don’t think we’d be complaining.”
“It’s reckless, it’s nasty, he knows exactly what he’s doing,” Jamie Redknapp added. “He’s got that nasty streak in him. There’s no need for it.”
