Chelsea say Martinez interfered on Palmer’s apparent red card

Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez should have been sent off for his aggressive tackle on Cole Palmer, which resulted in the defender receiving a yellow card during Sunday’s 1-1 Premier League draw at Old Trafford, Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca said.

The Argentine international player Martinez received a warning from referee Robert Jones in the third minute of stoppage time due to a foul on Palmer, as he hit the English striker high in the knee.

VAR Michael Salisbury reviewed the challenge before announcing that Jones’ on-field decision would stand because, according to the Premier League, it was deemed a “reckless challenge rather than a serious foul”.

Former United captain Roy Keane, working on the match as a pundit for Sky Sports, said: “Martinez is a lucky lad. It’s a bad tackle,” and Chelsea manager Maresca claimed he told the referee Martinez should have been sent off.

“They (TV) showed me the challenge before the press conference,” Maresca told reporters. “I think it’s pretty clear to all of us and they (officials) made a different decision.

“When there is no intention to get the ball and it just goes to the player, it is a red card. (The referee) didn’t say anything, but when it goes to the player or the legs, there is no doubt about the decision.” “I think it’s pretty clear it’s red.”

United’s interim coach, Ruud van Nistelrooy, said he did not see the challenge as a red card, but admitted he had not yet seen a replay of the incident.

“I didn’t see him,” Van Nistelrooy said. “I saw it on the touchline and I didn’t see it as a red card, but I have to watch it again to give an opinion.”

Meanwhile, Maresca said Chelsea are waiting to assess the full extent of Palmer’s injury.

“He (Palmer) is waiting in the locker room with the ice,” Maresca said. “Hopefully it’s nothing major.”