Manchester United suffered a 2-1 defeat against Leeds United at Old Trafford, a match marred by a controversial red card issued to defender Lisandro Martinez. The Argentine was sent off for pulling the hair of Leeds United striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, a decision that has been heavily criticised by Manchester United manager Michael Carrick.
Carrick Slams ‘Shocking’ Red Card Decision
Carrick did not hold back his feelings, calling the decision “one of the worst” he has ever witnessed. Martinez, 28, now faces a three-match suspension, though Carrick suggested the club might appeal. The incident occurred when Martinez attempted to stop Calvert-Lewin, grabbing his hair in an off-the-ball moment, after seemingly being caught in the face himself. Referee Paul Tierney, after consulting the video assistant referee (VAR) and reviewing the incident on the pitchside monitor, brandished the red card.
Tierney announced to the stadium: “After review, Manchester United 6 is guilty of pulling his hair – violent conduct. Final decision is red card.” The Premier League Match Centre confirmed the decision on X, stating: “After VAR review, the referee issued a red card to Martinez for violent conduct.”
Carrick was left incensed by the dismissal. “That decision was one of the worst I’ve ever seen. He [Calvert-Lewin] can throw his arms in Licha’s [Martinez’s] face – and then he’s sent off. Shocking,” he stated. He continued, “I don’t even know what it looks like. It’s not a pull, it’s not a tug, it’s not aggressive. He touches it and he gets sent off.”
Carrick added, “Worse of all, he gets sent to overturn it, a clear and obvious error. Shocking. He is off balance and grappling. We have got to be careful where the game is going. It is a shocking decision, absolutely shocking.”
Differing Opinions on the Incident
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes declined to comment on the refereeing decisions. Calvert-Lewin, however, maintained that his hair was pulled. “I don’t know, I don’t make the rules. I felt my hair get pulled, told the ref, he makes the decisions. Unfortunate for [Martinez], whether he’s meant it or not. I hold no grudges,” said Calvert-Lewin.
Leeds boss Daniel Farke expressed his concerns about how the red card could impact his team’s momentum. “I was worried because we had such good momentum and sometimes such a situation can change the momentum,” Farke said. “I would have preferred to play 11 v 11 but it is how it is. But in the end we won the game and I don’t complain.”
Pundits Weigh In
Former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane and ex-Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher offered their perspectives on the incident. Keane told Sky Sports: “I can see both sides. When you class this as violent conduct this seems really harsh. It is harsh but when looking at the laws you have to accept it.”
Carragher added: “I think that is soft. He is going for the ball, trying to grab hold of something and he has got it for half a second… I don’t think any football fan, any player is thinking that is a red card.”
The match saw Noah Okafor score a first-half double for Leeds, contributing to Manchester United’s 2-0 deficit before the controversial dismissal of Lisandro Martinez after 56 minutes.
Implications for Manchester United
- Lisandro Martinez faces a three-match suspension.
- Michael Carrick has suggested the club could appeal the decision.
- The red card adds to Manchester United’s defensive concerns.
With Carrick potentially facing his first big test as manager amidst jeers and a defensive crisis, the club may appeal against Martinez’s three-match suspension following what he deemed a shocking decision.