BREAKING NEWS: Premier league referee explains five reasons for his errors not awarding a Red Card to Lisandro Martinez after a harsh attack on Kamada in the Man United Vs Crystal Palace game and apologizes to the Crystal Palace supporters, saying “It was not my decision.”
The Premier League has confirmed that VAR agreed with referee David Coote’s decision regarding Lisandro Martinez’s two-footed tackle on Daichi Kamada. The incident occurred during the 63rd minute of a heated 0-0 draw between Manchester United and Crystal Palace. Martinez jumped into the air and planted both feet just centimeters away from Kamada, who had possession of the ball. Despite recovering the ball without making contact with Kamada, Martinez was only shown a yellow card, which sparked outrage among Palace players, particularly their midfielder.
Dean Henderson, the Crystal Palace goalkeeper, even ran out to protest Coote’s decision, for which he received a yellow card as well. About fifteen minutes after the incident, the Premier League’s Match Center account took to social media site X to explain the decision-making process behind not issuing a red card. They stated that VAR had reviewed the tackle for potential red card offense and concluded that Martinez’s challenge was merely careless and did not make contact with Kamada, thus confirming the referee’s original decision.
Despite avoiding a red card, Martinez faced significant criticism for his challenge. Many observers and fans were surprised that he was not sent off. Former Nottingham Forest manager Mark Warburton, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, expressed his shock, saying, “I am stunned that Lisandro Martinez was not sent off for that tackle. It could have broken Kamada’s ankle, and it’s not the kind of tackle we want to see in our game.”
Throughout the remainder of the match, Martinez was jeered by the Palace supporters as he continued to try to help United secure a clean sheet. Although Manchester United had opportunities to secure three points and extend their winning streak since the international break, they ultimately failed to capitalize on their chances. Martinez, despite his efforts, was unable to lead the team to victory.
The incident involving Lisandro Martinez’s two-footed tackle on Daichi Kamada during Manchester United’s 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace has generated significant debate. Despite avoiding contact with Kamada, Martinez’s aggressive challenge drew widespread criticism, with many feeling that a yellow card was lenient. Crystal Palace players, especially goalkeeper Dean Henderson, protested the decision, and Henderson was also booked for his reaction.
VAR’s review confirmed the referee David Coote’s decision, deeming the challenge careless but not worthy of a red card due to the lack of contact. This explanation from the Premier League’s Match Center did little to quell criticism from fans and pundits alike, with many, including former manager Mark Warburton, expressing shock that Martinez was not sent off, given the potential danger of the tackle.
The match ended in a stalemate, with Manchester United unable to capitalize on their chances and extend their winning run. Martinez, despite efforts to help his team maintain a clean sheet, faced constant jeering from the Palace crowd for the remainder of the match.
