Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has launched a scathing attack on the decision to dismiss defender Lisandro Martinez during his side's 2-1 Premier League defeat to Leeds United, branding it "shocking" and "one of the worst" he has ever seen.
Martinez Sees Red After Hair-Pull Incident
Argentine international Martinez was shown a straight red card by referee Paul Tierney in the 55th minute of the match at Old Trafford, following a VAR review. The dismissal came after Martinez was adjudged to have pulled the hair of Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin during a tussle.
Making his first appearance for two months following injury, Martinez now faces a three-match suspension that will rule him out of crucial upcoming fixtures against Chelsea, Brentford, and Liverpool.
Carrick's Furious Reaction
The usually reserved Carrick was uncharacteristically outspoken in his post-match criticism, having already expressed frustration with officiating decisions during United's previous 2-2 draw at Bournemouth.
"I thought the boys stayed positive and fought for everything in the second half, after a shocking decision to send Licha [Martinez] off," Carrick stated. "That's two games in a row we've had those decisions go against us, but that one was one of the worst I've seen."
Carrick argued that while Martinez did make contact with Calvert-Lewin's hair, the action did not constitute violent conduct. "The red card, that is really concerning. I know he touched his hair. There is a difference to really aggressively touching it," he explained. "The arm in the face of Lisandro and he is off balance and grappling. He goes to touch his shirt and gets a red card for it."
Controversial Build-Up to Leeds Opener
Carrick's frustrations extended beyond the red card incident, with the United manager also questioning why Leeds' opening goal was allowed to stand. Noah Okafor gave the visitors a fifth-minute lead, but Carrick claimed Calvert-Lewin had fouled United defender Leny Yoro in the build-up.
"Leny Yoro gets a forearm smash in the back of the head," Carrick asserted. "I don't know how that doesn't get overturned. That first goal shouldn't stand."
Potential Appeal and Opposition View
Carrick revealed that Manchester United are considering appealing against Martinez's red card, adding: "I am going to have to discuss it but I think it is a bad decision."
From the opposition perspective, Calvert-Lewin offered his take on the hair-pull incident that led to Martinez's dismissal. "I don't make the rules. I felt my hair get pulled, told the ref, he makes the decisions," the Leeds striker said. "Unfortunate for him, whether he's meant it or not. I hold no grudges."
The defeat leaves Manchester United facing increased pressure in their pursuit of European qualification, with Martinez's suspension further complicating their defensive options during a critical period of the season.
