Manchester United and Chelsea played out a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford in a game that was disappointing in terms of quality for much of the game.
The Red Devils opened the scoring in the second half with a Bruno Fernandes penalty, which was his first Premier League goal of the season, but the Blues quickly responded with a fine strike from Moises Caicedo.
It was a dull meeting between two of the league’s biggest teams, but like most games these days, it ended in controversy in the end.
Man United defender Lisandro Martinez only received a booking for his late challenge on Cole Palmer when many believed the defender will be shown his marching orders.
The challenge was checked by VAR and MartÃnez was lucky to avoid a red card.
VAR Michael Salisbury and Nick Hopton reviewed the incident but agreed with the decision made by the on-field referee.
The Premier League have now explained why Martinez was only shown a yellow card by referee Robert Jones.
The Premier League Match Center account at X gave an explanation behind the referee’s and VAR’s decision.
“The referee issued a yellow card to MartÃnez for a tackle on Palmer. The VAR checked for a possible red card and upheld the referee’s call of no red card, deeming it a reckless challenge and not of a serious fault”.
#MUNCHE – 90+3′
The referee sent Martinez a yellow card for a tackle on Palmer. The VAR checked for a possible red card and upheld the referee’s no red card ruling, ruling that it was reckless play and would not be a serious foul.
— Premier League Match Center (@PLMatchCentre) November 3, 2024
Lisandro MartÃnez deserved a red card for his dangerous tackle
The Man United centre-back was lucky not to receive a red card for his challenge after catching Palmer with his knee studs.
It was late in the game and had little effect on the outcome of the game but saved MartÃnez from a suspension in the next game and a much more serious punishment.
The draw in the end was a fair result between the two teams who were unable to capitalize on their chances in front of goal.
