'Career ender' - Premier League and four referees disagree on Man United star Lisandro Martinez booking

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez's booking at the end of the draw with Chelsea has split opinion among experts in the aftermath.

With the game heading towards a draw, the Argentine found himself in trouble when his studs caught Cole Palmer after the attacking midfielder had flicked the ball over the United man's head. Immediately, referee Rob Jones booked Martinez for the challenge, but as the opposition complained, VAR checked the incident.

After deliberation by Michael Salisbury, the decision was made to continue the game. However, that has not been the end of the debate. MEN Sport has taken a look at the differing views of four ex-referees and the Premier League on the tackle.

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Soon after the incident, the Premier League, through their Match Centre X account, explained the rationale of the VAR to not overturn the booking for Martinez. "The referee issued a yellow card to Martinez for a challenge on Palmer," they wrote.

"VAR checked for a potential red card and confirmed the referee’s call of no red card, deeming that it was a reckless challenge and not serious foul play."

After watching several replays, Dean added on co-commentary duties: "He’s come down, he’s just caught the end of his knee with his studs. There’s not a lot of force in it, it’s more of a glancing blow down across his knee rather than endangering the safety of an opponent."

The co-host of Sky Sports' Ref Watch Gallagher admitted that while the booking was correct, Martinez was mightily fortunate to escape further punishment. "I think he's lucky," he explained.

"His starting position is so close to