ENZO MARESCA and Gary Neville, along with many other football fans, were surprised when Lisandro Martinez was not sent off for his challenge on Cole Palmer.

Manchester United and Chelsea drew 1-1 at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.

Following a cursory examination, referee Robert Jones’ ruling was affirmed.

Martinez, the Red Devils’ defender, rushed into a tackle on Blues playmaker Palmer in stoppage time and hit him in the knee.

Referee Robert Jones booked the Argentinian for the poorly timed challenge before a VAR replay was shown on Sky Sports.

However, the review was immediately concluded because the VAR determined that a caution was adequate punishment.

But Manchester United legend Neville, who was commentating on the game, admitted: “When you go that high, I think you’re asking for a red card.” I think he’s lucky.

“When you go knee-high and the ball’s gone, I think it’s a red.”

While Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca stated, “I believe there is no intention to take the ball, and the foul is quite dangerous.”

He went on to say that “it is quite clear it is a red”.

The official Premier League Match Centre channel clarified the decision on X, saying: “Martinez received a yellow card for a challenge on Palmer.

“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.”

However, many remained sure that the tackle deserved a red.

One person called it a “brutal attack,” while another commented, “Bro, how is that not a red .”

A third responded, “Literal definition of a red.”

And a fourth said, “How is that not a red card? It doesn’t matter whether he slips; it’s still dangerous.