Manchester United's iron-clad Lysindo Martinez is a ferocious performer on the field, but rarely makes a successful tackle. At dawn on Monday (4), he stirred up controversy again against Chelsea, with an eye-opening move towards the end of the game. His "closing kick" landed on Galpin's knee, but the referee only showed a yellow card. Chelsea's leader Mariska was furious after the game and considered it a clear red card offense. Manchester United stars Kane and Gallieni Veli were "unbiased" and thought Martinez was lucky to escape with a red card.
The referee initially showed a yellow card after Martinez's flying kick almost hit Galpenma's left foot and knee in the final stages of added time. Although the VAR system intervened to check and make a judgment on the red card foul, the decision was eventually changed by the on-site referee. Mariska was outraged after the match, "In my opinion, Martinez didn't even intend to fight for it, that action was extremely dangerous and clearly a red card."
United star Garry Boy agreed: "If you kick too high then get ready for a red card, a move like that clearly deserves a red card." Kenneth said, "Martinez was not happy with Galpenma, the tackle was very bad and even though he didn't play well, he should have protested if he was given a red card." Martinez, nicknamed 'The Butcher', also escaped a red card against Crystal Palace in September for a jumping kick which also sparked widespread controversy.
