Lisandro Martinez's Tackle Sparks Referee Debate

Lisandro Martínez of Manchester United faced scrutiny for a two-footed challenge on Crystal Palace's Daichi Kamada during their recent 0-0 draw. Despite the dangerous nature of the tackle, which provoked widespread criticism, referee David Coote issued only a yellow card, a decision later upheld by the Premier League's Key Match Incidents (KMI) panel. They concluded that the absence of contact between Martínez and Kamada justified the yellow card under current regulations. Former referees Keith Hackett and Dermot Gallagher have publicly debated the appropriateness of the decision, with Gallagher suggesting Martínez was fortunate not to receive a red card, while Hackett staunchly disagreed. In contrast, Alaves manager Luis Garcia Plaza expressed discontent over another officiating decision in a separate match, arguing that a young player, Endrick, should have been red-carded for a kneeing incident. These incidents highlight ongoing debates over officiating standards in football.