Michael Carrick suggests Manchester United may appeal Lisandro Martinez's red card following their 2-1 defeat to Leeds United. The match was marred by controversial officiating decisions.
Michael Carrick hints at drastic United response after Leeds refereeing storm
Michael Carrick hints at drastic United response after Leeds refereeing storm
Manchester United boss Michael Carrick has strongly hinted that the club could appeal the red card that was shown to Lisandro Martinez in the loss to Leeds United.
Controversial calls
United found themselves at the end of more officiating drama, this time during the 2-1 defeat to historic rivals Leeds.
Noah Okaforās first-half double gave Leeds a commanding advantage heading into the break. Both of Okaforās goals were a consequence of some pitiful defending from the hosts. In the build-up to the first goal, however, Dominic Calvert-Lewin appeared to elbow Leny Yoro in the face. The incident did not affect the strike, which stood.
Things went from bad to worse for United when Martinez was given his marching orders in the 56th minute after he was judged to have pulled Calvert-Lewinās hair.
Referee Paul Tierney reviewed the incident on the pitchside monitor and showed Martinez a red card for violent conduct, meaning he will be unavailable for the next three games.
Casemiro pulled one back for the Red Devils but the hosts eventually had to come to terms with the loss, which is just the second of Carrickās tenure since he replaced Ruben Amorim in the Old Trafford dugout.
In his interview with Sky Sports, an angry Carrick labelled Tierneyās decision āshocking,ā bemoaning the officiating calls that continue to cost United. Speaking to reporters in his post-match press conference, Carrick reiterated his stance, while also questioning why the Calvert-Lewin and Yoro incident was not scrutinised. He insisted that Leedsā opener should not have stood.
Carrick also hinted that United may appeal the decision, seeking to overturn Martinezās red card.
Carrickās remarks
The 44-year-old coach told journalists, āHe [Martinez] gets an arm in the face to start with, so heās off balance and theyāre grappling, and then he almost just goes to touch him and grab his shirt.ā
āAnd he ends up catching his hair, and touching the back of his hair. Then the bobble comes out and you get a red card for it. Itās not aggressive, thereās no jolt, no tug, no sudden movement, he kind of touches it, glances through it, and weāve got to be careful with where the game is going if youāre getting red cards for that.ā
āBut then you can do two arms in the face for the first goal, and that is deemed alright. Itās a shocking decision, an absolutely shocking decision.ā
Carrick added, āThere were bits in the first half we could have done better with. When you go one-goal down, it makes it a little bit more difficult, and I have to say the goal itself, Leny Yoro gets an arm smashed in the back of his head. Thatās worth looking at again if you havenāt seen that. I donāt know how that doesnāt get overturned as a goal, itās a clear smash in the side of his head, so that first goal shouldnāt stand, and it puts us in a difficult situation.ā
āWe couldnāt quite get to grips with it at certain points and then I was really pleased with the reaction in the second half to try get something from the game.ā
āItās two decisions for me, the first goal, if that is overturned, itās a massive moment, heās kind of gone like that [gestures a push] to Lenyās head. But the red card, I have to say, that is really concerning. I know he touched his hair, but thereās a difference between touching someoneās hair the way he has and pushing someoneās hair really aggressively and tugging on it. Itās really concerning.ā
Asked if United would appeal, Carrick answered, āIām going to have to discuss it, but I think itās a bad decision, so weāll have to see.ā
He further stated, āWhen the dust settles on tonight, weāre in a decent position and weāll make the most of it with whatever players we have available. Hopefully Licha is still available, but weāll see.ā
United remain in third place in the Premier League table, level on points with Aston Villa in fourth.
The Peoples Person has been one of the worldās leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
Q&A
What was the outcome of the Manchester United vs Leeds United match?
Manchester United lost the match 2-1 to Leeds United.
Why is Manchester United considering an appeal regarding Lisandro Martinez's red card?
Michael Carrick hinted at an appeal due to controversial officiating surrounding the red card shown to Lisandro Martinez.
Who is Michael Carrick in relation to Manchester United?
Michael Carrick is the manager of Manchester United.
What were the controversial officiating decisions in the Leeds United match?
The match featured several disputed calls, particularly regarding the red card issued to Lisandro Martinez.
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