FA reach Lisandro Martinez red card appeal decision after Leeds incident
The FA have rejected Manchester United's appeal to overturn Lisandro Martinez's red card against Leeds United, meaning the defender will miss the next two matches for the Reds
Manchester United's Lisandro Martinez was sent off against Leeds United for pulling Dominic Calvert-Lewin's hair -Credit:Carl Recine/Getty Images The FA have informed Manchester United that their appeal to overturn Lisandro Martinez's three-game ban was rejected on the grounds that the incident did not constitute a clear and obvious error. Martinez received a straight red card in the home defeat to Leeds United after he pulled Dominic Calvert-Lewin's hair. Michael Carrick was furious with the ruling , describing it as "one of the worst I've seen" before expressing that he is "worried" about the direction the sport is heading, if such an act warrants a red card.
Unfortunately for the Reds' interim manager, upon further review, the FA has maintained that Martinez's actions warranted a straight red. The Argentine was consequently forced to sit out of United's recent 1-0 away win at Chelsea. He will also miss the next two games, as the suspension remains unchanged, via the Manchester Evening News .
Tottenham Hotspur slapped with fine and warning by UEFA after Champions League game Donald Trump weighs in as US envoy suggests Italy replace Iran at 2026 World Cup Noussair Mazraoui and Ayden Heaven filled in at center-back for United against Chelsea, helping the Reds keep a clean sheet -Credit:2026 James Gill - Danehouse United's appeal was dismissed by English soccer's governing body as the decision was not considered to be a clear and obvious error. The FA further stated it was not a case of excessive punishment, as hair-pulling is "not to be tolerated and should be discouraged. " Martinez will be absent for Monday's crucial game against Brentford and the eagerly anticipated derby against Liverpool, both of which are scheduled at Old Trafford.
The South American will not return to the field for United until the away game against Sunderland on May 9. Carrick has been forced to navigate a defensive crisis of late, following Harry Maguire's suspension , which stemmed from an additional ban handed down after he furiously contested his red card during the recent draw with AFC Bournemouth. To compound matters, Matthijs de Ligt remains sidelined and is yet to feature under Carrick, while young center-back Leny Yoro recently sustained a training injury.