Carrick slams Martinez red card as ‘one of worst decisions ever’
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has strongly criticised the decision to send off defender Lisandro Martinez during his side’s 2-1 defeat to Leeds United, describing it as “one of the worst” calls he has seen.
Martinez was shown a straight red card after a VAR review for pulling the hair of Dominic Calvert-Lewin in an off-the-ball incident at Old Trafford.
The dismissal came with United already trailing 2-0, further complicating their attempt to mount a comeback.
VAR intervention proves decisive
Referee Paul Tierney initially allowed play to continue before being advised by VAR to review the incident on the pitchside monitor. After reassessing the footage, Tierney issued a red card for violent conduct.
He later confirmed the decision to the stadium, stating: “After review, Manchester United 6 is guilty of pulling his hair – violent conduct. Final decision is red card.”
The Premier League Match Centre also backed the call, noting that the dismissal followed a VAR review for violent conduct.
Carrick questions consistency
Carrick, however, was visibly frustrated with the outcome and suggested the club could consider an appeal.
“That decision was one of the worst I’ve ever seen,” Carrick said. “He [Calvert-Lewin] can throw his arms in Licha’s face – and then he’s sent off. Shocking.”
“I don’t even know what it looks like. It’s not a pull, it’s not a tug, it’s not aggressive. He touches it and he gets sent off.”
The United boss also raised broader concerns about officiating standards and VAR usage.
“We have got to be careful where the game is going. It is a shocking decision, absolutely shocking,” he added.
Suspension implications
Martinez now faces a three-match suspension, ruling him out of key upcoming fixtures and further stretching United’s defensive options.
The incident adds to a growing list of disciplinary concerns for Carrick’s side, with the result and subsequent ban dealing a significant blow to their push for a strong finish to the season.