Man Utd star Lisandro Martinez endangered Cole Palmer’s safety and was extremely lucky not to be given red card

LISANDRO MARTINEZ was extremely lucky not to receive a red card for serious foul play on Cole Palmer.

The Manchester United defender’s studs caught the Chelsea playmaker high on his left knee.

PA

PA

AFP

Referee Rob Jones deemed it was a yellow card for a reckless challenge — but VAR Michael Salisbury should have intervened to upgrade the punishment to a red.

Martinez endangered the safety of Palmer and knew what he was doing by stopping the attack at all costs.

The challenge occurred in stoppage time at the end of the 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca insisted during his post-match interview that it was an obvious red card offence.

He said: “I think there is not intention to take the ball and the foul is quite dangerous.”

In his press conference he then added: “They show me before the press conference, I think it is quite clear for all of us.

“The referee is there to make a decision, he took a different decision.

“For me, when there is no intention to go for the ball and just the player, is a red.”

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Man Utd legend Gary Neville agreed Martinez was fortunate to avoid being dismissed.

On commentary, the former England right-back said: “When you go that high I think you’re asking for a red card. I think he’s lucky.

“When you go knee-high and the ball’s gone, I think it’s a red.”