According to Daily Post, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca was visibly upset after Manchester United's Lisandro Martinez escaped a red card for his tackle on Cole Palmer during their 1-1 draw at Old Trafford on Sunday.
The controversial incident occurred late in the match when Martinez caught Palmer with a reckless challenge, prompting strong reactions from the Chelsea bench and players.
Despite the severity of the tackle, the referee issued only a yellow card to the United defender in injury time, much to Maresca’s dismay.
In his post-match comments, Maresca expressed his dissatisfaction with the officiating, emphasizing the potential consequences of the tackle on Palmer's well-being. “He (Palmer) was there in the changing room with ice. We are waiting now. Hopefully, it is nothing important and then I know you are going to ask me about the referee’s decision,” he stated. He further elaborated, “They showed me before the press conference, I think it is quite clear almost for all of us but the referees there did not take the decision and they made a different decision.” Maresca's frustration highlighted the growing concerns regarding officiating standards in the Premier League, especially in high-stakes matches like this one.
The match itself was intense, with both teams having their share of chances. Chelsea took the lead early in the second half through a well-worked goal, but United equalized shortly after, showcasing the competitive nature of the encounter. Following the game, Maresca not only focused on the referee's decision but also reflected on his team's performance. He praised his players for their resilience and commitment, despite the frustration over the officiating.
Palmer's injury, resulting from the challenge, became a focal point in Maresca's post-match analysis. The Chelsea manager revealed that the young forward had been receiving treatment and expressed hope that the injury would not be serious. “We are waiting now,” he said, indicating the team's concern for Palmer’s condition.
0 Comments