Maresca on Martinez challenge: “It’s a red” | OneFootball

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca believes Lisandro Martinez should have been sent off after his horror challenge during Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United.

The Blues’ draw against United see their winless league record at Old Trafford extend into its 11th year. Bruno Fernandes’ penalty put Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side ahead after Robert Sanchez brought down Rasmus Hojlund in the penalty area, before Moises Caicedo volleyed home a superb equaliser for the visitors.

However the main talking point came deep into second half stoppage time when Martinez caught Cole Palmer on his knee when showing his studs. After a lengthy VAR check the on-field decision of a yellow card stood, with the Argentine escaping a red card.

When asked for his thoughts on the challenge, Maresca believed the wrong decision had been made:

“He [Palmer] was there in the changing room with ice,” Maresca said. “We are waiting now. Hopefully it is nothing important and then I know you are going to ask me about the referee’s decision.

“They showed me before the press conference, I think it is quite clear almost for all of us but the referees there did not take the decision and they made a different decision.

“I just said, for me, when there is no intention to go for the ball and he goes for the player. It’s a red.

“No. He [the referee] didn’t say nothing. I just said to him when there is no intention to go for the ball and to go for the player, the legs, there is no doubt about the decision.

“I think it is quite clear it is a red, yes.”