Michael Carrick raged after the final whistle against Leeds against poor refereeing decisions.
Lisandro Martinez’s red card against Leeds is set to land the Manchester United defender with a three-game suspension.
Martinez was sent off for a hair pull on Dominic Calvert-Lewin, with referee Paul Tierney describing the incident as ‘violent conduct’.
There has been a strong argument that Martinez’s actions lacked aggression. MUTV pundit Phil Bardsley pointed out that the defender ‘did not yank’ Calvert-Lewin’s hair.
Former referee Mark Halsey told The Sun that there was ‘no force’ in his actions and the United defender’s actions did not constitute ‘violent conduct’.
The problem with this argument is that the Premier League rules may need to be re-assessed, ex-referee Andy Davies explained to ESPN.
Lisandro Martinez looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Leeds United at Old Trafford in 2026 in Manchester, England.
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'
Getty Images
Premier League rules
Manchester United could appeal the decision, but might not be successful. The Premier League have taken a firm stance against hair pulling.
More United News
Former referee Andy Davies responded to the argument about the lack of aggression and minimal contact from Lisandro Martinez.
He pointed out that this is a non-factor in the Premier League’s laws.
He said: “The length of time that referee Tierney spent at the screen suggests he was slightly uncomfortable with the ultimate decision to produce a red card, as the level of contact was negligible, but the directive from PGMOL and the league does not make that a consideration.”
Mark Clattenburg told United In Focus that referee Paul Tierney followed the letter of the law and made the right decision.
Davies suggested that the Premier League might re-assess their rules in the summer.
“I would anticipate some discussion over the summer on this topic and whether authorities should continue with a zero-tolerance policy.”
⚡️ NEWS IN BRIEF
Lisandro Martinez sent off for hair pull against Leeds
Former referee Andy Davies says rules allow no context
He suspects the laws could be re-assessed
Do you agree with Michael Carrick – Should Leeds’ first goal have been ruled out?
Carrick was fuming after the game
Getty Images
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox