Man Utd's Lisandro Martinez 'could've ended Cole Palmer's career' as ex-ref slams VAR

Former referee Keith Hackett has sounded the alarm over tackle on , suggesting it was a potential career-ender that should be 'outlawed' from football.

In the final moments of tense 1-1 draw with , Martinez's studs raked down Palmer's leg. The young star had just dazzled Martinez with a deft move, prompting a reckless response from the defender.

As Palmer crumpled to the ground in evident distress, referee Rob Jones wasted no time in brandishing a yellow card at Martinez. However, replays later showed that Martinez's boot connected with Palmer's knee and continued down his shin, yet Michael Salisbury, the VAR official, did not recommend a review of the incident.

Hackett, taking to his column, didn't mince words about the decision made on the pitch. He argued: "The landing area of the boot was on Palmer's knee and quite clearly it endangered the player's safety."

He went on to critique the judgement of ref Jones, who had a clear view but opted for a yellow card, believing the force behind Martinez's challenge wasn't severe enough for further punishment.

Hackett contended: "That, for me, was a clear and obvious error and VAR should have asked the referee to go and review the incident on the pitchside monitor. We have seen a lot of yellow cards this season but the laws, which were penned to protect players by issuing red cards, should be enforced when appropriate.

"It was the type of tackle that can end a player's career. The Professional Game Match Officials Ltd (PGMOL) should be more rigorous in enforcing this policy.

"Jones has had his career enhanced this season by taking charge of some big matches and this game at Old Trafford was probably his biggest yet, but he has been let down on this occasion by VAR."

The Premier League made their position clear with a statement on X following the match: "The referee issued a yellow card to Martinez for a challenge on Palmer.

"VAR checked for a potential red card and confirmed the referee's call of no red card, deeming that it was a reckless challenge."

Chelsea's head coach didn't conceal his frustration afterwards, remarking: "They showed me (a replay) before the press conference, I think it is quite clear for all of us.

"The referee is there to make a decision, he took a different decision. For me, when there is no intention to go for the ball and just the player, is a red."