Gary Neville remarked that Lisandro Martinez was “asking for a red card” with his tackle on Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, and called the Manchester United defender “fortunate” to escape dismissal. The incident became a focal point in the 1-1 draw at Old Trafford, where Moises Caicedo’s goal canceled out Bruno Fernandes’ second-half penalty.
In the challenge, Martinez’s studs struck Palmer’s knee as he misjudged the tackle, causing frustration for Chelsea players. However, referee Rob Jones issued only a yellow card.
Offering his perspective as a commentator for Sky Sports, Neville, a former United captain, explained, “When you go in with your studs raised, miss the ball, and hit knee-high, you’re essentially inviting a red card.”
VAR official Michael Salisbury reviewed the tackle but upheld the yellow card, advising no additional action. Neville added, “He’s lucky. When you go in knee-high with studs after the ball’s gone, it’s hard to see it any other way — to me, that’s a red.”
Following the match, the Premier League released a statement: “The referee gave Martinez a yellow card for his challenge on Palmer. VAR checked for a possible red card but supported the referee’s call, viewing it as a reckless rather than dangerous challenge.”
Former referee Mike Dean, now a Sky Sports pundit, agreed: “Martinez’s studs caught Palmer’s knee, but there wasn’t much force — it was more of a glancing contact than one that threatened safety.”
Martinez was recently scrutinized for a similar challenge against Crystal Palace, and this booking brings his season total to four, putting him one card away from an automatic one-game suspension.
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