'So lucky' - Former Premier League referee verdict on 'reckless' Lisandro Martinez Manchester United challenge
Man Utd defender Lisandro Martinez drew plenty of criticism for his challenge in the goalless draw with Crystal Palace.
Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher says Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez was 'so lucky' not to make contact with Daichi Kamada after his two-footed lunge at the weekend.
The Argentine was initially issued a yellow card by on-field referee David Coote, a decision that was upheld when it was then checked by the match VAR.
An official Premier League statement issued at the time read: "The referee issued a yellow card to Martinez for a challenge on Kamada. VAR checked for a potential red card and confirmed the referee’s call of no red card, deeming this was a reckless challenge and made no contact with Kamada."
Speaking on Monday, former referee Gallagher gave his verdict on the decision and explained why the United defender was not sent off for his 'reckless challenge'.
"I think that's what saved him (the lack of contact) from getting a red card without doubt," Gallagher told Sky Sports.
"Why would you make a challenge like that? It is just so unnecessary. You are giving the referee a decision to make and he has. He has given the referee a big decision to make. I think the fact that he has caught the ball rather than the player is his saving grace."
He added: "He is so, so lucky that he got the ball. Why would you make a tackle like that. Without doubt if he had arrived another foot further forward he's going to get sent off and get a ban."