Keith Hackett calls for longer suspension for Lisandro Martinez

Former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee Keith Hackett believes that Lisandro Martinez should face a suspension longer than one match following his red card in the match against Chelsea. Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett stated that the Manchester United defender ought to have received a straight red card at Stamford Bridge.

It was a challenging day for the Argentinian international, who was sent off after receiving two yellow cards in quick succession on Saturday, 31 October. Martinez became entangled with Morgan Rogers in the 59th minute, and just two minutes later, he conceded a penalty after Peter Bankes consulted VAR. The defender lunged at Wesley Fofana, making contact with his arm in the opponent's throat, which led to his second yellow card and subsequent dismissal.

Hackett expressed his belief that United's No.6 was fortunate not to have been shown a straight red card, which would have resulted in a three-match ban instead of just one. "It's a red card offence. It's a red card offence, in my opinion, all day every day. I was surprised that the referee went for the yellow," he remarked. He added, "This is, in effect, a safety-first refereeing. With two yellows, you can't appeal, he's nailed. So he won't worry about what length of suspension he gets."

Hackett continued, "But I think he did lead [with his arm]. Watching that particular game, he's walking for that red-card offence. So I think he's very fortunate." Martinez's challenge could easily be interpreted as violent conduct, as he did not appear to assess the incoming cross, yet he will now only miss one match.

Source: Footballinsider247