The Premier League has confirmed that VAR supported referee David Coote’s ruling on Lisandro Martinez’s two-footed tackle on Daichi Kamada. This incident took place in the 63rd minute of a tense 0-0 match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace. Martinez leaped and landed with both feet just inches from Kamada, who had the ball. Even though he regained possession without hitting Kamada, Martinez received only a yellow card, which incited anger among Palace players, particularly their midfielder.
Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson also rushed out to contest Coote’s call, earning himself a yellow card in the process. Approximately fifteen minutes later, the Premier League’s Match Center account posted on social media platform X to clarify why a red card was not issued. They explained that VAR had assessed the tackle for a potential red card offense and determined that Martinez’s action was merely careless and did not make contact with Kamada, thus affirming the referee’s initial decision.
Although Martinez avoided a red card, he was heavily criticized for his tackle. Many fans and commentators were taken aback by his escape from a dismissal. Former Nottingham Forest manager Mark Warburton expressed his disbelief on BBC Radio 5 Live, stating, “I am stunned that Lisandro Martinez was not sent off for that tackle. It could have broken Kamada’s ankle, and it’s not the kind of tackle we want to see in our game.”
During the rest of the match, Martinez was booed by Palace fans as he attempted to help United maintain a clean sheet. While Manchester United had chances to secure a win and extend their streak since the international break, they ultimately could not convert those opportunities. Despite his efforts, Martinez was unable to lead the team to victory.
