Lisandro Martinez was sent off following a VAR review after the technology spotted something no one in the stadium saw as Manchester United's nightmare against Leeds worsened
21:24, 13 Apr 2026Updated 21:50, 13 Apr 2026
Lisandro Martinez red card
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Lisandro Martinez was sent off for pulling Dominic Calvert-Lewin's hair
Lisandro Martinez was sent off after a VAR review for pulling the hair of Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Incredibly it was the first red card of the Manchester United defender's career on what had already been an horrific evening for Michael Carrick's side.
The Argentina defender became the first ever Manchester United to be shown a red card in a Premier League match against Leeds United when he was spotted by VAR tugging on the pony tail of Calvin-Lewin.
TV shot of Lisandro Martinez pulling Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s hair.
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TV shot of Lisandro Martinez pulling Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s hair.(Image: Sky Sports)
United were already trailing 2-0 to a Leeds side that totally dominated the first-half, with Noah Okofur scoring both goals, when Martinez clashed with Calvin-Lewin in the centre-circle.
Play continued before referee Paul Tierney called a halt to proceedings after being called to check his video screen on the sidelines.
It did not take the whistleblower long to notice the tug on Calvert-Lewin's hair which caused the England forward's head to jolt back.
Referee Paul TIerney sends of Lisandro Martinez
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Referee Paul TIerney sends of Lisandro Martinez(Image: ADAM VAUGHAN/EPA/Shutterstock)
Tierney informed the Old Trafford crowd of what he saw before heading over to Martinez to show him a straight red card, and will now face a three-match suspension .
The United player, in his first start since February after a calf injury, was left perplexed by the decision and looked confused as he slowly headed for an early bath for the first time in his career.
The Premier League Match Centre have issued a statement after Martinez's dismissal. The statement read: "#MUNLEE – 54' VAR OVERTURN After VAR review, the referee issued a red card to Martínez for violent conduct. Referee announcement: 'After review, Manchester United 6 is guilty of pulling his hair - violent conduct. Final decision is red card.'"
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Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez reacts to the first red card of his career(Image: Getty Images)
Maritnez was the second Premier League player this season to be sent off after pulling an opponent's hair.
Everton defender Michael Keane was red carded after grabbing the hair of Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare during a 1-1 draw at Molineux in January.
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