Nemanja Vidic criticized the Premier League for being 'soft' following Lisandro Martinez's controversial red card in Manchester United's 2-1 loss to Leeds United. The decision was made by VAR after Martinez was seen holding an opponent's hair during a play.
Vidic laments âsoftâ Premier League after Martinez red card
Nemanja Vidic has said âfootball has gone so softâ after Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinezâs controversial red card against Leeds United.
Martinez was sent off during Manchester Unitedâs 2-1 defeat to Leeds at Old Trafford on Monday night for violent conduct.
VAR deemed Martinez should be dismissed after briefly holding Dominic Calvert-Lewinâs hair during an aerial contest.
Referee Paul Tierney was advised to review the incident on the pitchside monitor by VAR before sending off the Argentine defender.
Announcing the decision to the stadium, Tierney said: âAfter review, Manchester United 6 is guilty of pulling his hair â violent conduct. Final decision is red card.â
Former Manchester United captain Vidic, who was in attendance, has blasted the decision. He called the Premier League âsoftâ and questioned the fairness of the officiating at Old Trafford.
âDuring my time, we called it duelling. Todayâs football calls it violent conduct. Football has gone so soft, especially in the Premier League,â Vidic said.
âI wonder why Calvert-Lewin wasnât booked for holding the playerâs face as well. I was very disappointed with that refereeâs decision.â
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Lisandro Martinez received a red card for violent conduct after VAR determined he held Dominic Calvert-Lewin's hair during an aerial contest.
Nemanja Vidic expressed his belief that 'football has gone so soft' in response to the controversial red card issued to Martinez.
Manchester United lost the match 2-1 to Leeds United at Old Trafford.
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