Ex-Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has admitted Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinezwas fortunate that his tackle on Chelsea’s Cole Palmer lacked intensity after he escaped with a yellow card.
The Argentina defender left United supporters with hearts in their mouth during the second half when he caught Palmer, with his studs, by the halfway line. Chelsea’s star man – who used to play for Manchester City – had flicked the ball over Martinez’s head prior to the wince-inducing challenge.
Initially, referee Rob Jones awarded a yellow card for the tackle. VAR officials took some time to evaluate that on-field decision, but decided to agree and no further action was taken.
“I think he’s lucky,” the former Premier League official said. “His starting position is so close to Palmer, if he makes that challenge, comes in from distance, speed and intensity that’s when he’ll be in trouble.
“Because he’s so close to him, he doesn’t generate that force. It’s fleeting contact.
“Because it’s such a short distance, he doesn’t generate that intensity.” While Martinez’s challenge on Palmer has split opinion in the aftermath, there was little doubt that United’s penalty for Robert Sanchez’s tackle on Rasmus Hojlund was rightfully given.
Rasmus Hojlund is brought down for a Man United penalty vs Chelsea.
Explaining that call, Gallagher added: “I thought penalty at the time. Still think penalty, he doesn’t get any of the ball, catches the ankle.
“It isn’t too dissimilar to Ederson, on Anthony Gordon, which I thought was a penalty. Doesn’t get any of the ball.
“When you see it in slow motion, everything looks distorted – I think it’s a foul. He’s challenged with his arms, not taken the ball and caught him on the ankle, referee gives a penalty, I don’t think VAR will ever overrule it.”
