According to a report by London Evening Standard on Monday November 2, 2026, Dermot Gallagher, a former referee, has maintained that video assistant referees followed the proper protocol, and Manchester United have now received a decision regarding the controversial dismissal of Lisandro Martinez in their 2-0 Premier League loss to Chelsea.

At Saturday's match at Stamford Bridge, the Argentine defender received a yellow card for an incident involving Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana during a corner, and he was sent off for a second yellow card.

While trying to block Fofana, Martinez allegedly raised his elbow and made contact with his face. Video Assistant Referee (VAR) stepped in to assess the situation after referee Peter Bankes initially missed the incident.

Gallagher, a former referee in the Premier League, backed the call and said the VAR intervention was flawless. Given the gravity of the challenge, he maintained, Martinez's behavior plainly warranted retribution.

As Gallagher explained to Sky Sports, "Perfect process" was the key. It remained on the field unnoticed by the referee. Undoubtedly an irresponsible challenge. Martinez flies all over the place without glancing at the ball once.

Even though he appeared to have a great vantage point of the altercation, former Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood questioned the referee's failure to signal the incident.

The referee is staring at it directly, Sherwood said. What is he staring at? I have no idea. You are searching for contact as the corner approaches.

"He has a perfect view," he added, continuing to convey his bewilderment. I don't understand how he hasn't noticed it. His distance is barely five yards.

Martinez would have his suspension increased from one match to three, according to Sherwood's joke, since United manager Michael Carrick should challenge the decision and ask for a straight red card instead.

At the same time, ex-footballer Jay Bothroyd lent his support to the dismissal, arguing that Martinez's behavior may have constituted violent conduct due to the serious harm that could have resulted from elbow contact with an opponent's face.

This incident has compounded Manchester United's already disappointing afternoon against Chelsea, adding further stress to an already trying time for the club this season.