Late in the match, Lisandro Martinez made a strong tackle that left Chelsea’s Cole Palmer limping, immediately raising concern among both Chelsea supporters and staff.
The challenge was serious enough to prompt a review by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), which ultimately judged the tackle to be reckless but not deserving of a red card.
This allowed Martinez to remain on the field, receiving only a yellow card as punishment.
The decision sparked considerable backlash, with many fans and football analysts expressing their belief that the tackle was severe enough to warrant a red card.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca openly criticized the decision after the game, stating that Martinez’s actions exceeded acceptable play and should have led to an instant dismissal from the match.
In the days following the incident, FIFA decided to step in and conduct an additional investigation.
The organization later released an official statement confirming that Martinez would face a four-game suspension.
FIFA cited the harshness of the tackle and the potential risk it posed to player safety as primary reasons for the ban.
This ruling highlights FIFA’s growing focus on prioritizing player welfare and its intention to set a strict standard against dangerous tackles.
The four-game suspension means that Manchester United will have to cope without Martinez for several important matches, a significant setback in what is already a difficult season for the club.
On Chelsea’s side, concerns about Palmer’s condition have become a major focus as the club awaits further medical evaluations.
Although Palmer was able to leave the field without assistance, he was later seen applying ice to his knee, sparking concerns that he might miss upcoming games.
The club’s coaching staff remains optimistic that the injury is minor, particularly since Palmer has a full week to recover before Chelsea’s next Premier League clash against Arsenal.
This period provides a crucial buffer, especially given that Palmer was not expected to feature in Chelsea’s midweek Conference League fixture due to registration issues.
The incident has reignited discussions about VAR’s role and the consistency of its decisions, particularly regarding the protection of players from dangerous play.
Many Chelsea supporters voiced their frustration over the initial ruling, arguing that a yellow card was an insufficient response to the severity of Martinez’s challenge.
While FIFA’s post-match decision to impose a four-match ban on Martinez is seen as a corrective action, it also raises questions about how similar incidents should be handled in real time.
Ensuring that safety standards are consistently applied during matches remains a pressing concern for the football community.
Moving forward, both teams face challenges as they adapt to these developments.
Chelsea will need to monitor Palmer’s recovery carefully and hope for a swift return without lasting repercussions.
Meanwhile, Manchester United must find a way to adjust their defense for the upcoming four games without Martinez.
This situation underscores the broader issue of how football authorities balance in-game officiating with post-match reviews to safeguard player safety and maintain fair play on the pitch.
