Manchester United were left seething when Lisandro Martinez was controversially sent off against Leeds United at Old Trafford.
Following a woeful first half against Leeds United, Michael Carrick gave a strong half-time talk to his Manchester United players to try and inspire a second-half comeback.
Unfortunately, just 10 minutes into the second half, Lisandro Martinez was sent off for pulling Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s hair while the pair duelled for possession.
Carrick lashed out at the referees for the decision, and even Calvert-Lewin admits Martinez was “unlucky” to be sent off.
Lisandro Martinez in action for Manchester United.
Photo by Richard Martin-Roberts – CameraSport via Getty Images
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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Man United unlikely to overturn Lisandro Martinez red card
After the match, Carrick said the Lisandro Martinez red card decision was “one of the worst I’ve ever seen”, and he then hinted that United would appeal the decision by saying he hoped the defender would be available.
Martinez is facing a three-match suspension as things stand, and unfortunately, previous events mean United are unlikely to be successful in their appeal.
Back in January, Everton defender Michael Keane was sent off for pulling the hair of Wolves player Tolu Arokodare.
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The Toffees appealed the decision but failed, and the Football Association’s regulatory commission gave written reasons why that was the case.
As per BBC Sport, they wrote: “The forceful pulling of a person’s hair can be said to fall outside the normal constituent elements of a challenge in football”.
They added: “In the wider interests of football, ‘hair pulling’ ought not to be tolerated and should be discouraged”.
Because of this precedent being set, it seems unlikely that United will get a different outcome with Martinez.
With six games remaining, where do you now think Man Utd will finish?
Michael Carrick watching his Man Utd side play Leeds
Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images
Lisandro Martinez will miss Chelsea and Liverpool matches
With his three-game suspension likely to be upheld, it means that Martinez will miss some key matches in United’s pursuit of Champions League qualification.
On Saturday evening, United face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Thankfully, Harry Maguire’s suspension is up so he can return to action for the Red Devils.
READ MORE: Rio Ferdinand shares his honest verdict on Lisandro Martinez’s red card vs Leeds United
Martinez will also miss back-to-back matches at Old Trafford against Europe-chasing Brentford and arch-rivals Liverpool.
He can then return for the final three matches of the 2025/26 season.
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