Manchester United star Lisandro Martinez was sent off during the Red Devils’ game against Leeds at Old Trafford, with club leaders set to launch a bid to overturn his suspension.
Lisandro Martinez will miss the next three games (Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United will appeal against Lisandro Martinez’s “shocking” red card against Leeds. The Argentine defender was sacked for pulling Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s hair at Old Trafford on Monday night.
Martinez is currently serving a three-match suspension and could miss the upcoming matches against Chelsea, Brentford and Liverpool.
However, United are determined to make their centre-back available for a run-in as they aim to qualify for the Champions League. According to the Telegraph, United plan to appeal in the hope that the red card will be overturned.
One person keen to have his suspension overturned is United manager Michael Carrick, who was furious at the decision to send off the defender.
Speaking after his side’s defeat to Leeds, Carrick said: “It wasn’t a tug, a pull, it wasn’t aggressive. He just touched it and got sent off. The worst part is he got sent off to cover it up as a clear mistake. It’s shocking.”
read more: Manchester United team insists major decision was ‘madness’ and continues to go their wayread more: Gary Neville identifies Manchester United details that could give the biggest clue to manager’s decision
Follow Man United’s FB page! Keep up with the latest United news and more on our dedicated Facebook page
“That’s why he’s off balance. He half touches the back of his hair, pulls out his bob, and it’s like this. I don’t even know how it looks. That’s two games in a row where the decision went against us, and that game was one of the worst I’ve ever seen.”
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher gave his thoughts on the decision, claiming Martinez should not have been sacked.
The former Liverpool star said: “He was going for the ball and almost grappled me. I tried to grab something and he grabbed me by the back of my hair. It might have been my hair or something.”
Martinez sent off for pulling Calvert-Lewin’s hair (Image: Getty Images)
“He got him for about a half-second. From what I heard from Howard Webb, he goes, ‘What does the game want?’
“I don’t think anyone, whether it’s a football fan, manager or player, thinks, ‘That’s a red card.’ Everyone looks at it and thinks, ‘Oh, that’s not a red card, behave yourself.’
United icon Roy Keane also offered his own verdict, suggesting he understood why Martinez was sent off despite the “harsh” call. He added: “I can see it from both sides, but I find it really harsh when you classify it as an act of violence.
“But I’ve seen other players get sent off. It’s tough, but if that’s the law of the game, you have to accept it.”
Martinez, 28, has played 15 Premier League games for United this season, but he has suffered injuries to both knees and calves during the season.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can always check out. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
England’s 2026 World Cup kit
Various prices
england official store
Buy now from England’s official store
England and Nike have launched new home, away and goalkeeper kits to be worn at this summer’s FIFA World Cup. Use code: ENGFREEDEL to get free shipping on all orders.
