Why did Man United's Lisandro Martinez escape red card in Crystal Palace stalemate?

The Premier League has confirmed that the reason why Lisandro Martinez was not sent off in Manchester United's goalless draw against Crystal Palace.

Man United had high hopes of claiming maximum points in Saturday's away clash after they swept past Southampton and Barnsley in the league and EFL Cup respectively.

The Red Devils ultimately missed the chance to clinch a third consecutive victory despite having numerous chances against the Eagles.

Former Man United goalkeeper Dean Henderson made a number of important stops, while Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes both rattled the woodwork.

The Red Devils may have felt unlucky not to find the breakthrough, but they may have counted themselves fortunate to finish the game with a full complement of players.

Is Lisandro Martinez lucky to not be sent off here? pic.twitter.com/i8XJpshsDA

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 21, 2024

Why did Martinez escape red card?

Just after the hour mark, Martinez jumped two-footed into a challenge on Daichi Kamada, missing the Palace midfielder by a matter of centimetres.

Referee David Coote showed the Argentine a yellow card instead of the red demanded by several members of the Palace side.

The Premier League have since confirmed via X, formerly known as Twitter, that the incident was reviewed and explained the decision to stick with the referee's original decision of a caution.

A post on the Premier League's Match Centre account read: "The referee issued a yellow card to Martinez for a challenge on Kamada.

"VAR checked for a potential red card and confirmed the referee's call of no red card, deeming this was a reckless challenge and made no contact with Kamada."

Glasner comments on Martinez incident

Speaking to reporters after the match, Palace boss Oliver Glasner asked whether he was surprised about the decision to give Martinez a yellow instead of a red card.

"For me, it also looked really heavy," Glasner said. "Fortunately, I think he touched the ball and not the shin of our player because I think he would have broken his leg.

"The referee decided no red card. I don't want to complain about the referee's decision. We made many more wrong decisions than the referee today."

After escaping a red card, Martinez will crucially be available for Man United's next Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur.

Before that fixture, Erik ten Hag's side must negotiate Wednesday's Europa League meeting with Twente at Old Trafford.