Panel agrees with ref’s decision not to send off Lisandro Martinez vs Crystal Palace

The Premier League’s Independent Key Match Incidents (KMI) Panel has unanimously backed the decision not to show a red card to Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez in Saturday’s scoreless draw at against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

The KMI Panel’s findings, as shared by ESPN, state that: “The action viewed in isolation is a ridiculous challenge. Martinez is so fortunate that he doesn’t contact Kamada.”

Martinez was walking a tightrope for jumping into the tackle how he did, but referee David Coote made the call to show a yellow card for his challenge on Daichi Kamada instead.

The incident, occurring in the 63rd minute, saw the Argentina international leave the ground with force before jumping in with both feet.

VAR checked the tackle but Coote wasn’t asked to check the incident again on the pitchside monitor. Ultimately, that means they were happy with the call, and didn’t see any clear or obvious errors.

Martinez was fortunate that Kamada wasn’t near to where he landed, or else it could’ve been a red card – and a lot worse for the Palace player at that.

Guidelines issued by UEFA. which are followed by PGMOL and the Premier League, states that if there is no contract with a challenge of this nature, only a yellow card should be shown.

Martinez stamped on the ball rather than the opponent.

The rules are the rules, but Martinez will hope this doesn’t get into the minds of other referees who will be officiating United games in the future.

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