Lisandro Martinez is branded a ‘coward’ by former Premier League defender after escaping red card for ‘unnecessary’ two-footed challenge on Crystal Palace’s Daichi Kamada
- Man United drew 0-0 with Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday
- Lisandro Martinez only received a yellow card for a two-legged foul
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A former Premier League defender has branded Man United defender Lisandro Martinez a coward after what he called a dangerous foul on Daichi Kamada on Saturday.
The Red Devils had to settle for a point at Selhurst Park after wasting a number of golden chances.
Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes hit the woodwork within seconds of each other in the first half, while Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson made a number of eye-catching saves to keep his former club from conceding goals.
And then there was another ugly moment in the second half, when Martinez tackled Kamada with both feet.
Fortunately for both parties involved, he only partially touched the ball, but given the nature of the offence, many felt he was lucky to only receive a yellow card.
Lisandro Martinez only received a yellow card for this foul on Daichi Kamada
And former Liverpool and Aston Vila left-back Stephen Warnock has given his verdict on what the Argentine was thinking.
“It’s a cowardly tackle,” he said on Sky Sports. “That’s all it is. It’s a cowardly tackle to defend yourself. I guess I just don’t like it. The intent is there. I don’t see why you would take that challenge. He’s very, very lucky.”
“Why would you make such a challenge? It’s so unnecessary. You’ve given the referee a decision to make. He’s given him a big, big decision to make, but the fact that he caught the ball instead of the player is his saving grace.
Stephen Warnock called Manchester United player’s tackle a ‘cowardly challenge’
VAR looked at the tackle but Martinez was spared as he made no contact with Kamada
“He’s so, so lucky to get the ball there. Why would he make a tackle like that? No doubt he’ll get sent off and suspended if he takes another step forward.”
“VAR checked for a potential red card and confirmed the referee’s decision that there was no red card. VAR concluded that there was a reckless foul and no contact was made with Kamada,” the Premier League Match Centre said on social media.
