Man Utd star Lisandro Martinez endangered Cole Palmer’s safety and was extremely lucky not to be given red card

LISANDRO MARTINEZ was extremely lucky not to receive a red card for serious foul play on Cole Palmer.

The Manchester United defender’s studs caught the Chelsea playmaker high on his left knee.

Lisandro Martinez escaped a red card for a knee-high challenge on Cole PalmerPA

VAR reviewed it and decided to stick with the on-field decision of a yellow cardPA

Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey believes Martinez was luckyAFP

Referee Rob Jones deemed it was a yellow card for a reckless challenge — but VAR Michael Salisbury should have intervened to upgrade the punishment to a red.

Martinez endangered the safety of Palmer and knew what he was doing by stopping the attack at all costs.

The challenge occurred in stoppage time at the end of the 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca insisted during his post-match interview that it was an obvious red card offence.

He said: “I think there is not intention to take the ball and the foul is quite dangerous.”

In his press conference he then added: “They show me before the press conference, I think it is quite clear for all of us.

“The referee is there to make a decision, he took a different decision.

“For me, when there is no intention to go for the ball and just the player, is a red.”

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Man Utd legend Gary Neville agreed Martinez was fortunate to avoid being dismissed.

On commentary, the former England right-back said: “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.”