Manchester United's Appeal Over Martinez Red Card Deemed Futile by Former Referee
Former Premier League referee Peter Walton has delivered a blunt message to Manchester United, asserting that the club is "wasting their time" in their appeal against Lisandro Martinez's red card. The incident occurred during United's 2-1 defeat to Leeds United at Old Trafford on Monday night, where Martinez was dismissed for pulling Dominic Calvert-Lewin's hair.
VAR Review Leads to Straight Red Card
Initially, the altercation went unnoticed by match officials, but referee Paul Tierney was instructed to review the pitch-side VAR monitor. After a brief examination, Tierney deemed Martinez's actions as violent conduct, resulting in a straight red card for the Argentine defender. This decision has sparked controversy, with United manager Michael Carrick labeling it "shocking" and "bad" in his post-match comments.
United's Appeal and Expected Suspension
Manchester United have reportedly lodged an appeal with the Football Association and Professional Game Match Officials Limited, hoping to have Martinez available for their upcoming match against Chelsea. However, Walton is convinced this effort will fail. He told The Times: "I can tell Michael Carrick now he is wasting his time appealing against Martinez's red card. The United head coach has no chance of success."
Walton further explained that hair-pulling is consistently treated as violent conduct by the FA, typically warranting a three-match suspension. This means Martinez is likely to miss crucial fixtures against Chelsea, Brentford, and Liverpool, dealing a significant blow to United's defensive lineup.
Carrick's Frustration and Broader Implications
Carrick expressed visible frustration over the decision, calling it "one of the worst I've ever seen." He argued that Martinez's action was not aggressive, stating: "He touches it and he gets sent off. We have got to be careful where the game is going." Despite this, Walton emphasized that such incidents, including at international levels like the World Cup, would result in red cards, underscoring the consistency in officiating standards.
The defeat leaves Manchester United third in the Premier League, seven points behind sixth-placed Chelsea. A victory in their next match could extend their advantage, but Martinez's potential absence complicates their campaign. As the appeal process unfolds, United face an uphill battle against established FA regulations, with Walton's comments highlighting the slim chances of a successful overturn.
