The incident, which occurred late in the game, saw Martinez make a forceful tackle that left Palmer limping and prompted immediate concern among Chelsea supporters and staff.
Initially, the tackle was reviewed by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), which deemed the challenge reckless but not sufficient for a red card, allowing Martinez to remain on the pitch with only a yellow card.
This decision was met with widespread criticism, as many fans and analysts argued that the tackle was dangerous enough to merit a stricter penalty.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca voiced his disappointment after the game, suggesting that Martinez’s actions went beyond the limits of fair play and should have resulted in an immediate dismissal.
In the days following the match, FIFA intervened by conducting a further investigation into the incident.
The governing body has now issued a formal statement confirming Martinez’s four-game ban, citing concerns over the severity of the tackle and its potential impact on player safety.
FIFA’s decision reflects an increased emphasis on player welfare, as officials strive to set a strong precedent against dangerous challenges.
Martinez’s suspension means he will miss several critical fixtures, impacting Manchester United’s lineup during an already challenging season.
For Chelsea, Palmer’s injury remains a key concern as the club awaits further medical assessments.
Although he managed to walk off the pitch without aid, Palmer was seen applying ice to his knee post-match, leading to fears that he could be sidelined for upcoming games.
Chelsea’s coaching staff, however, is hopeful that the injury is minor, especially as Palmer has a full week to recover ahead of their next Premier League game against Arsenal.
This break offers some relief, as Palmer was not scheduled to participate in Chelsea’s midweek Conference League match due to registration limitations.
The incident has also reignited the ongoing debate about the role of VAR and the consistency of its decisions in protecting players from dangerous play.
Many Chelsea fans have expressed frustration over the initial call, arguing that the lack of a red card during the game did not adequately address the seriousness of Martinez’s tackle.
The four-match suspension now serves as a post-match correction by FIFA, but questions remain about how similar situations should be handled in real-time to ensure consistent enforcement of safety standards on the field.
As the season progresses, both teams will need to adapt to these developments. Chelsea will closely monitor Palmer’s recovery, hoping to reintegrate him into the squad without long-term implications, while Manchester United faces the challenge of replacing Martinez for the next four games.
