Emiliano Martinez saw red for Aston Villa at the worst possible time against Manchester United on Sunday afternoon.
Aston Villa arrived at Old Trafford knowing that a win might be enough to secure a spot in the Champions League next season — a competition Man United famously won’t be playing in.
Ruben Amorim’s side missed their chance to play in Europe’s top competition via a terrible performance against Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao a few days prior.
But Unai Emery’s team still had a big opportunity on the final day of the season, one that was arguably ruined by Martinez’s straight red card.
Martinez might have played his last game for Villa in the 2-0 defeat and he’ll surely be very disappointed if that is how he’ll bow out.
Mark Clattenburg says Emi Martinez deserved his red card
That being said, TBR Football exclusively spoke to former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg about the incident, one that Villa fans might still be debating.
And whilst Clattenburg did believe that Martinez deserved to be sent off for his challenge on Rasmus Hojlund in the 46th minute, he was still frustrated about the broader significance of the decision.
Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
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Clattenburg compared the straight red to a moment when Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson recently handled the ball outside of his box in the FA Cup final and didn’t see red.
Responding to Martinez’s red card, Clattenburg said: “This is what drives people insane!
“Last week we discussed the potential red card of Dean Henderson of Crystal Palace for a handball but the VAR felt that the ball was going away from goal.
“This in my opinion was a straightforward decision for the referee to issue a red card. Today, Hojlund of Manchester United was brought down by a body check of Martinez the Aston Villa goalkeeper with some argument again that the ball was going away from the goal.
“Like last week, the attacker has a clear chance to roll the ball into an empty net with no covering defenders.
“This was the correct call by the referee to send the goalkeeper off but again the inconsistency of referees will be called into question on why one was given and the other not!”
Marcus Rashford’s future at Man United
Of course, Villa missing out on Champions League football next season could have a significant impact on their ability to sign Marcus Rashford from United this summer.
Rashford has missed the final weeks of the season through injury but the England international has made a huge difference at Villa Park.
In terms of his personal stance, Rashford would still be willing to join Villa without Champions League football.
But it remains to be seen if Villa can finance a deal — United are currently standing firm on their £40m asking price.
Barcelona are also linked with Rashford and it will be interesting to see what route the Englishman takes next season.