There’s something wrong with refereeing after Martinez dodged red for career-threatening Palmer foul, says ex-Prem ref
LISANDRO MARTINEZ avoiding a red card for his shocking challenge on Cole Palmer signals something could be wrong with refereeing, according to Mark Halsey.
The former Premier League referee believes the Manchester United defender was “very lucky” to escape a red card.
Martinez caught Palmer high on his knee with a reckless lunge that could have led to a serious injury.
Ref Rob Jones booked Martinez for the tackle but VAR did not recommend a review, so there was no opportunity to increase the Argentine’s punishment.
Halsey cannot understand why VAR did not intervene and he believes Martinez would have walked if the ref took a second look at the incident.
Halsey told SunSport’s Whistleblower: “I was surprised that VAR didn’t recommend a review because I don’t think Martinez could have any complaints had he seen red card for that offence.
“Because it was for me, it was serious foul play. It was a challenge that endangered the player’s safety because he was so high. Okay, the force wasn’t there.
“But it’s a career threatening challenge when you’re going that high on someone’s knee.
“If officials do not think that’s a red card. Then there’s something seriously wrong. It’s not about knowing the laws of the game.
“I think Martinez was very, very lucky that he didn’t see red.”
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Fans were also shocked Martinez did not walk, as was Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca.
He said after the match: “I think there is not intention to take the ball and the foul is quite dangerous.”
“It is quite clear it is a red.”
While Gary Neville said in commentary: “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.”