Regarding Lisandro Martinez’s two-footed tackle on Daichi Kamada, the Premier League has confirmed that VAR supported referee David Coote’s decision.
Martinez lunged with both feet just centimeters from where Kamada had control of the ball during Manchester United’s 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace in the 63rd minute.
Despite recovering the ball and avoiding contact with Kamada, Martinez was only shown a yellow card, which angered Palace’s midfielder.
Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson even ran out to protest Coote’s decision, earning himself a yellow card.
The Premier League’s Match Center account later clarified on social media site X that VAR reviewed the incident about fifteen minutes after the tackle and confirmed there was no red card.
The post explained: “Martinez received a yellow card for the challenge on Kamada. VAR determined it was a careless challenge with no contact, supporting the referee’s decision not to issue a red card.”
Despite avoiding a red card, Martinez faced heavy criticism for the tackle, with many surprised that he wasn’t sent off.
Former Nottingham Forest manager Mark Warburton shared his shock on BBC Radio 5 Live, saying, “I’m stunned that Lisandro Martinez wasn’t sent off for that challenge.
It could have fractured Kamada’s ankle, and that’s not the kind of tackle we want in the game.”
The 26-year-old Martinez was jeered by the Palace fans as he continued to help United hold onto a clean sheet.
However, despite United’s efforts, they failed to secure a third consecutive win since the international break, with Martinez unable to help them claim all three points.
