Lisandro Martinez decision called into question again after referee misses Man United repeat

Lisandro Martinez was shown a red card for violent conduct against Leeds United, though a similar incident in the Premier League did not result in that punishment

Manchester United’s anger at Lisandro Martinez being sent off has seemingly increased with a similar incident in the Premier League not resulting in a red card. The Argentine was dismissed for violent conduct after pulling the hair of Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the defeat to Leeds United.

Just five days later, Dango Outtara committed a similar offence on Calvin Bassey in Fulham’s trip to Brentford, but only a foul was given by referee Paul Tierney. He was also the official at Old Trafford earlier this week, which further calls into question the consistency in decisions made.

With it being minimal contact, it could have been easily missed by Tierney. But there was also no review from VAR, with Craig Pawson leading the technology at Stockley Park.

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Earlier in the season, Everton defender Michael Keane was dismissed for pulling the hair of Wolves’ Tolu Arokodare.

While the slight touch from Outtara is arguably not as significant as the pulls made by Martinez and Keane, a precedent has been set that any form of touch in that region results in a sending off.

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As a result of the Martinez decision that was made, he will miss three United league games with his ban starting for the clash against Chelsea.

Harry Maguire is also suspended for the trip to Stamford Bridge after he was handed an additional one-game ban for comments made to the fourth official following his red card against Bournemouth before the March international break.

To make matters even worse for Michael Carrick at centre-back, Leny Yoro did not travel down to London potentially due to injury which has also seen him unavailable for the Chelsea game.

Diogo Dalot has replaced him in the team, with Noussair Mazraoui partnering Heaven in the centre of defence. Carrick has been handed an injury boost however, with Kobbie Mainoo back in the starting XI after missing the visit of Leeds due to a minor issue.

There has also been a change in attack with Bryan Mbeumo coming in for Amad on the right as Benjamin Sesko continues up top.

It is a huge game for both teams in the race for Champions League qualification and a win for the hosts against United would close the gap to three points.