LISANDRO MARTINEZ was extremely lucky not to receive a red card for serious foul play on Cole Palmer.
The Manchester United defender’s studs caught the Chelsea playmaker high on his left knee.
Lisandro Martinez escaped a red card for a knee-high challenge on Cole PalmerPA
VAR reviewed it and decided to stick with the on-field decision of a yellow cardPA
Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey believes Martinez was luckyAFP
Referee Rob Jones deemed it was a yellow card for a reckless challenge — but VAR Michael Salisbury should have intervened to upgrade the punishment to a red.
Martinez endangered the safety of Palmer and knew what he was doing by stopping the attack at all costs.
The challenge occurred in stoppage time at the end of the 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca insisted during his post-match interview that it was an obvious red card offence.
He said: “I think there is not intention to take the ball and the foul is quite dangerous.”
In his press conference he then added: “They show me before the press conference, I think it is quite clear for all of us.
“The referee is there to make a decision, he took a different decision.
“For me, when there is no intention to go for the ball and just the player, is a red.”
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Man Utd legend Gary Neville agreed Martinez was fortunate to avoid being dismissed.
On commentary, the former England right-back said: “When you go that high I think you’re asking for a red card. I think he’s lucky.
“When you go knee-high and the ball’s gone, I think it’s a red.”
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