Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez was sent off against Leeds for a hair pull.
Referee Paul Tierney had never sent off a Manchester United player in 25 matches. In the end he was overdue.
With Manchester United 2-0 down against Leeds, VAR flagged an incident on the halfway line. Lisandro Martinez was subsequently sent off.
Tierney ruled that Martinez was guilty of ‘violent conduct’ for a brief pull of Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s hair.
It sounds ridiculous even typing it out.
United actually played better with 10 men than 11, but still lost the game 2-1.
Manchester United v Leeds United - Premier League
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Lisandro Martinez has been SENT OFF for a hair pull – Let us know your thoughts…
It was described as 'violent conduct'
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MUTV pundits on Martinez red
Lisandro Martinez looked stunned when he was given the red card in the 56th minute.
Speaking after the game to MUTV, former player Wes Brown voiced his disapproval at the decision.
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Brown said: “It’s not a red card. He’s got hold of his hair for not even a second. If anything its a yellow.”
Fellow pundit Phil Bardsley agreed with his stance, expressing his bemusement.
He said: “He’s got long hair, his hands got caught in his hair.
“It’s one of the mot bizarre red cards I’ve ever seen. He’s not yanked his hair… it’s disappointing.”
Do you agree with Michael Carrick – Should Leeds’ first goal have been ruled out?
Carrick was fuming after the game
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Michael Carrick was unhappy
Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick was unhappy with the decision.
He blasted: “It was a shocking decision. We’ve had decisions go against us in the last two games but that’s one of the worst I’ve seen.”
Carrick also said he would discuss whether or not to appeal the red card.
As it stands, Martinez will serve a three-game suspension. Harry Maguire is available for the next game after serving his one-game ban.
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