Lisandro Martínez Returns to Manchester United but Gets Red Card for Pulling Rival's Hair Lisandro Martínez, the Argentine defender, made a return to Manchester United after a two-month absence due to a muscle injury but was sent off in a dramatic turn of events during a Premier League clash against Leeds United. The incident occurred in the second half, sparking controversy and raising questions about the severity of the action. Martínez, who had been sidelined since February 10, started the match as a key player but was shown a red card for pulling the hair of his opponent, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, leading to his immediate expulsion. Leeds United capitalized on the situation, winning 2-1, while Martínez will miss the next two matches due to the suspension. Martínez’s return to the pitch was a significant moment for both the club and the Argentina national team, which is preparing for the 2026 World Cup. The 28-year-old had been out of action since a hamstring injury in late January, and his reappearance was seen as a positive sign for the squad. However, the red card overshadowed his contribution, as the incident occurred during a critical phase of the game. Leeds took an early 2-0 lead, and United struggled to find an equalizer, with Martínez’s dismissal further complicating their efforts. The incident unfolded in the 10th minute of the second half when Martínez challenged Calvert-Lewin for a high ball. According to the match report, Martínez used his hands to push the English forward, causing the ball to deflect into the air. The referee, Paul Tierney, consulted the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) and ruled the action as "violent conduct," leading to the immediate red card.#manchester_united #leeds_united #2026_world_cup #lisandro_martinez #dominic_calvert_lewin
VAR Hands Red Card for Hair Pulling Incident at Old Trafford Manchester United suffered a dramatic collapse on Monday night as they faced Leeds United at Old Trafford, with the match spiraling into chaos within the first hour. The Red Devils, already trailing 2-0 after conceding two goals in the first half—including a swift opener within five minutes—faced further turmoil when Lisandro Martinez was shown a straight red card early in the second half for a violent act. The incident, captured by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), occurred when Martinez attempted to mark Dominic Calvert-Lewin and opted to pull the Leeds forward’s hair to disrupt his heading position. The referee swiftly dismissed Martinez for violent conduct, leaving United’s prospects of a comeback all but extinguished. The red card marked a pivotal moment in the match, as the home side’s morale plummeted. Fans, already frustrated by the early goals, turned to boos during the halftime break, signaling their discontent with the team’s performance. The decision to send off Martinez also meant the Argentine defender would miss the upcoming clash against Chelsea, adding to the squad’s challenges. Manager Michael Carrick’s side now faces an uphill battle to salvage points from the encounter, with the defeat further complicating their position in the Premier League table. The incident itself sparked immediate debate among pundits and fans. While some criticized Martinez for the unsportsmanlike behavior, others questioned the severity of the punishment, arguing that the act, though reckless, did not warrant a straight red card. However, the VAR’s intervention confirmed the referee’s decision, emphasizing the league’s strict stance on violent conduct.#manchester_united #lisandro_martinez #old_Trafford #dominic_calvert_lewin #var
Lisandro Martinez: Manchester Utd Defender Sent Off for Hair-Pull on Leeds United Striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez was shown a straight red card in the 56th minute of a Premier League match against Leeds United at Old Trafford. The incident occurred during an off-the-ball confrontation with Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, where Martinez was found guilty of pulling the attacker’s hair. The referee, Kevin Tierney, confirmed the decision after reviewing footage, citing the act as “violent conduct.” Martinez, 28, will now face a three-match suspension, which will exclude him from Saturday’s clash against Chelsea. The match unfolded with United trailing 2-0 at halftime, following a first-half double from Noah Okafor. Martinez’s red card came as United sought to turn the game around. Tierney’s announcement to the stadium emphasized the severity of the incident, stating, “After review, Manchester United 6 is guilty of pulling his hair - violent conduct. Final decision is red card.” The Premier League Match Centre later posted on X, confirming the red card was issued after a VAR review. Martinez’s action drew immediate criticism from pundits and fans. Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville remarked on Sky Sports, “Martinez looks perplexed and confused: ‘What have I done?’ He’s pulled his hair and that results in a red card, nowadays. He knows what he’s doing there.” The incident marked Martinez’s first Premier League start for United since a 1-1 draw against West Ham on February 10, following a calf injury recovery. This red card followed a similar incident in the previous league match, where Harry Maguire was sent off for a tackle on Bournemouth’s Kyle Walker during a 2-2 draw.#manchester_united #leeds_united #lisandro_martinez #dominic_calvert_lewin #kevin_tierney
