- Manchester United drew 1-1 with Chelsea at Old Trafford on Sunday
- Lisandro Martínez was booked in added time after committing a foul on Cole Palmer.
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Manchester United were “lucky” to finish Sunday’s game against Chelsea with 11 players, according to Gary Neville.
United central defender Lisandro Martínez received a yellow card from referee Robert Jones in the third minute of second-half added time after fouling Cole Palmer.
But former United captain Neville was surprised VAR did not advise Jones to reconsider Martinez’s punishment.
Martinez, nicknamed ‘the Butcher’ at former club Ajax, challenged Palmer and the studs of his right boot made contact with the Chelsea star’s left knee.
Reacting to the incident during his live commentary for Sky Sports, Neville said: “When you go that high, I think you’re asking for a red card.”
Man United defender Lisandro Martínez (#6) fouled Cole Palmer late in Sunday’s game.
Palmer pictured on the ground after the foul, which occurred in the 93rd minute at Old Trafford.
Referee Robert Jones showed Martínez a yellow card, but many spectators felt it should have been red.
‘I think he’s lucky. “When you get to knee level and the ball goes, I think it’s red.”
Former Premier League referee Mike Dean wasn’t so sure. He commented: ‘There’s not much force in it. It’s not as bad as I thought when I first saw it.’
But legendary former United midfielder Roy Keane agreed with Neville.
Speaking after the match, Keane described Martinez as “a lucky lad” and suggested his “nasty challenge” on Palmer was probably sparked by the Chelsea star cleverly throwing the ball over his head.
“He won’t be happy with Palmer making fun of him,” Keane said.
‘It’s an unpleasant challenge. But it doesn’t catch it properly. It’s on the side of his leg.
Keane added: “If he had been sent off there would have been no complaints.”
Meanwhile, Chelsea legend Frank Lampard and former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp agreed that Martinez should have been sent off.
Lampard said: “I think it’s a red card for intent.”
Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville said Martinez was ‘lucky’ not to be sent off
Sky Sports pundits Roy Keane, Frank Lampard and Jamie Redknapp (left to right) also thought a red card should have been shown.
Former Chelsea and England midfielder Lampard said: ‘I think it’s a red card for intent’
Redknapp concluded: “It’s reckless, it’s nasty, he knows exactly what he’s doing.”
He has that unpleasant streak. Look how high his leg is, it’s not necessary.
