Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s manager, expressed serious concerns about a tackle on Cole Palmer by Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez.
Also Read: Roy Keane – Cole Palmer ‘Embarrassed’ Lisandro Martinez with Skill, Slams Man Utd Performance
Maresca was visibly frustrated that Martinez avoided a red card for his dangerous late-game challenge, which ultimately received only a yellow.
Martinez’s studs struck Palmer’s left knee after Palmer performed an impressive flick over the defender. Despite the impact, VAR did not recommend a review, and referee Robert Jones upheld the yellow card decision.
Pundits, including Roy Keane, Frank Lampard, and Gary Neville, all felt Martinez was fortunate to stay on the pitch.
Post-match, Maresca shared that Palmer was being treated with ice and would undergo additional assessments to determine the extent of the injury.
He added that although they remain hopeful there’s no lasting damage, he strongly believes the challenge warranted a red card.
“It was clearly not a play for the ball but a direct hit on Palmer’s legs,” Maresca stated, noting that the referees had seen the incident before the press conference and made the decision not to upgrade it.
Roy Keane, a former United captain, criticized Martinez’s approach, calling it reckless and saying he was “lucky” not to be sent off. Chelsea legend Frank Lampard echoed this view, adding that Martinez appeared to intend to “leave a bit on” Palmer, even without making contact with the ball.
Both pundits agreed that the foul could have easily merited a red card, aligning with Maresca’s stance on the incident.
