The Premier League clash between Manchester United and Chelsea ended in a tense 1-1 draw at Old Trafford. Both teams missed key chances to secure the win, but it was Lisandro Martinez’s late challenge on Cole Palmer that stole the headlines.
The match saw its first goal in the 70th minute when Bruno Fernandes scored from the penalty spot, putting United ahead. Just four minutes later, Moises Caicedo found the equalizer for Chelsea, leveling the game and setting up an intense finish. Both sides continued to create chances but were unable to convert, leaving the game tied.
In the 92nd minute, Martinez’s tackle on Palmer caused a stir. The Argentine defender’s boot made contact with Palmer’s knee, sparking calls for a red card. However, referee Rob Jones only issued a yellow, a decision that left many Chelsea fans and pundits unhappy.
Former Premier League referee Keith Hackett weighed in on the incident. Speaking to Telefootball, Hackett expressed concern over the tackle’s potential impact, saying, “The landing area of the boot was on Palmer's knee and quite clearly it endangered the player's safety. Referee Rob Jones was in a good position to view the incident and decided yellow.”
Hackett further explained that Jones may have thought the tackle lacked enough force for a red card. However, Hackett saw this as a mistake, calling it a “clear and obvious error.” He argued that VAR should have prompted Jones to review the challenge on the pitch-side monitor.
“The laws, which were penned to protect players by issuing red cards, should be enforced when appropriate,” Hackett added.
The incident has fueled debate over refereeing consistency and VAR’s role in protecting players. For now, both teams leave Old Trafford with a point, but Martinez’s challenge will likely remain a controversial topic.
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