Carrick Rages at VAR Call After Martinez Dismissal in United Defeat

Michael Carrick described the sending-off of Lisandro Martinez as one of the worst refereeing decisions he has witnessed after Manchester United fell 2-1 to Leeds United.

The turning point came in the second half at Old Trafford when referee Paul Tierney issued a red card to Martinez following a VAR review. The Argentine defender had made contact with the hair of Dominic Calvert-Lewin during a tussle.

Already trailing to two first-half goals from Noah Okafor, United’s hopes were further dented by the dismissal. A response from Casemiro proved insufficient to prevent defeat.

Carrick was visibly frustrated, pointing to a pattern of decisions going against his team.

“Two games in a row we’ve had decisions like that go against us but this one was one of the worst I’ve seen,” he said.

He argued that Martinez’s reaction was influenced by initial contact from Calvert-Lewin.

“You can throw your arm in Martinez’s face… he half touches the back of his hair… it’s not aggressive,” Carrick said.
“Worst of all… a clear and obvious error. Shocking.”

The United interim manager confirmed the club would review whether to appeal the decision, which could result in a three-match suspension.

“I think it is a bad decision,” he stated.

Carrick also highlighted an earlier incident involving Leny Yoro that went unpunished and led to Leeds’ opener.

“They didn’t overturn that… that was a big moment in the game,” he said.

Despite the loss, United remain in a strong position in the Premier League standings, sitting third and maintaining a seven-point cushion over Chelsea.

Attention now turns to a crucial upcoming clash with Chelsea, as the race for Champions League qualification intensifies.

“We’ve got a big end to the season… there’s a lot to be positive about,” Carrick concluded.

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