[Keith Hackett
Keith Hackett](https://www.footballinsider247.com/author/keith-hackett)
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the defender should have been shown a straight red card at Stamford Bridge.
It was an awful afternoon for the Argentinian international, being given his marching orders after two bookable offences in quick succession on Saturday, 31 October.
He got his laces tangled by Morgan Rogers in the 59th minute, and just two minutes later, he gave away a penalty after Peter Bankes went to VAR.
Martinez clearly lunged at Wesley Fofana, with his arm landing in his opposition's throat, which earned him his second yellow and then red card.
However, Hackett feels United's No.6 was very fortunate not to receive a straight red card, which could have resulted in a three-match ban, rather than one game.
Lisandro Martinez lucky to escape bigger ban
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett revealed his surprise at Bankes only showing a second yellow, but it does mean that the ban cannot be appealed against.
"It's a red card offence. It's a red card offence, in my opinion, all day every day. I was surprised that the referee went for the yellow," he said.
"This is, in effect, a safety-first refereeing. With two yellows, you can't appeal, he's nailed. So he won't worry about what length of suspension he gets.
"But I think he did lead [with his arm]. Watching that particular game, he's walking for that red-card offence. So I think he's very fortunate."
Martinez's challenge could easily be classed as violent conduct, having never looked at the incoming cross once, but now he'll only miss one game.
The manager is clearly under tremendous pressure at Old Trafford, with the hierarchy putting together a list of potential replacements.
But whoever they decide to bring in is unlikely to do any better of a job than Carrick is doing right now due to the players in the squad.