Enzo Maresca was incensed at the decision not to send off Lisandro Martinez for a contentious challenge on Cole Palmer, accusing the Manchester United defender of targeting the Chelsea player rather than the ball.
Towards the end of the match, United’s Lisandro Martinez found himself at the centre of controversy as VAR scrutinised his tackle on Chelsea‘s talented midfielder.
With Palmer deftly flicking the ball beyond Martinez, the defender ambitiously raised his leg towards the advancing Palmer, catching him on the knee with his studs.
The referee initially dispensed a yellow card, and though VAR reviewed the incident, they upheld the decision, much to the dismay of Maresca.
Palmer was in clear discomfort after the challenge and needed treatment although he played the full match. Maresca said: “He was in the changing room with ice. We are waiting now. Hopefully it is nothing.”
The furious Italian boss 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.”
However, the Premier League has stood by the official’s verdict, with their statement affirming: “The referee issued a yellow card to Martinez for a challenge on Palmer.
“VAR checked for a potential red card and confirmed the referee’s call of no red card, deeming that it was a reckless challenge.”
Contrasting with the league’s stance, ex-Man United player Dion Dublin suggested on BBC Radio 5 Live that Martinez got off lightly, commenting: “Martinez seems to show his studs. Palmer puts the ball over his head. Martinez lifts his foot and brings him down. He’s very lucky.”
Gary Neville, on duty with Sky Sports, shared his opinion on the controversy suggesting Martinez was fortunate. He commented before VAR’s intervention: “Lisandro Martinez is lucky. I think it’s a red.”
Chelsea managed to return to London with honours even after Moises Caicedo netted a remarkable strike to draw level, nullifying Bruno Fernandes‘ earlier penalty in the second half. The Ecuadorian midfielder is hitting his stride, dazzling with some of his finest form yet.
Speaking on the match’s result Maresca noted: “Since we arrived Moi is doing fantastic. The players are human beings, it’s normal to have little ups and downs. Moi, since we arrived, is improving a lot.
“We are trying to spend time with him, and all the rest also, to try and improve them. Moi is showing how good he is.”
