"It's a nasty challenge" - Roy Keane and Gary Neville believe Manchester United star was 'lucky' to escape red-card in Chelsea draw
Gary Neville and Roy Keane feel Lisandro Martinez should have been sent off during Manchester United's 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Sunday, October 3. The two believe the Red Devils defender was lucky he received just a yellow following his tackle on Cole Palmer.
Neville and Keane said the challenge was dangerous and should have been a straight red card. Neville was the first to comment on the challenge and said on Sky Sports:
"When you go that high I think you're asking for a red card. I think he's lucky. When you go knee-high and the ball's gone, I think it's a red."
Keane claimed that Palmer made a fool of the Argentine defender and said:
"He won't be happy with Palmer making a fool of him. It's a nasty challenge. But he doesn't catch him properly. It's down the side of his leg. If he had got sent off there would have been no complaints."
Jamie Redknapp, also on the Sky Sports show, agreed that the tackle was reckless and added Martinez knew what he was doing, saying:
"It's reckless, its nasty, he knows exactly what he's doing. He's got that nasty streak in him. Look at how high he gets his leg, there's no need for it."
Frank Lampard was also on the show and claimed it was a clear red because of the Manchester United defender's intention.
Chelsea manager comments on Manchester United star escaping red card
Enzo Maresca acknowledged that Cole Palmer received treatment in the dressing room after Chelsea's 1-1 draw with Manchester United. He added that the Englishman is in a race to get fit for the upcoming Arsenal clash and said in his post-match press conference (via Football London):
"He was there in the changing room with ice. 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."
When quizzed if it was a red card tackle, Maresca replied:
"Yes. 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. I think it is quite clear it is a red, yes."
Chelsea moved to fourth in the Premier League table with 18 points from 10 games after the draw at Old Trafford. Manchester United, meanwhile, remain 13th with 12 points from 10 matches.