On commentary, Gary Neville said that tackle was worthy of a red card, while Roy Keane believed Martinez was fortunate to get away with it, as well. However, speaking on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch, Gallagher has explained why the Argentine escaped a red card.
Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher acknowledged that Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez was fortunate to escape with just a yellow card for his tackle on Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, as it lacked intensity.
In the second half, Martinez caught Palmer with his studs near the halfway line after the Chelsea player had flicked the ball over him. Initially, referee Rob Jones issued a yellow card, and after VAR review, the decision was upheld without any further action.
Gallagher remarked, “I think he’s lucky. His position was so close to Palmer that if he had approached the challenge from further away with more speed, he would have faced serious consequences. The close proximity meant the contact was brief and lacked force.”
While opinions are divided on Martinez’s challenge, there is general agreement that Manchester United’s penalty for Robert Sanchez’s tackle on Rasmus Hojlund was justified.
Gallagher explained his view on the penalty decision: “I thought it was a penalty then, and I still believe it is. He doesn’t make contact with the ball and instead catches the ankle.
“It’s similar to the situation with Ederson and Anthony Gordon, which I also deemed a penalty because there was no ball contact.
“When viewed in slow motion, it can appear misleading, but I maintain it’s a foul. He challenged with his arms, didn’t touch the ball, and caught him on the ankle. If the referee awards a penalty, I doubt VAR would overturn it.”
