According to a report by Manchesterevening News Saturday October 31, 2026, The Premier League has officially explained the decision to award Chelsea a penalty and send off Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez during their latest encounter, delivering another setback for Michael Carrick.

Manchester United were already trailing 1-0 at Stamford Bridge after Morgan Rogers scored in the second half. With Carrick facing mounting pressure, Martinez's costly disciplinary mistake further damaged United's chances of recovering.

The Argentine defender, who had previously received a yellow card, challenged Wesley Fofana inside the penalty area during an aerial contest. Martinez jumped into his opponent without making a genuine attempt to reach the ball.

Referee Peter Bankes initially allowed play to continue because he did not identify the infringement. However, after consulting the Video Assistant Referee, he reviewed the incident and changed his original decision.

Following the review, Bankes awarded Chelsea a penalty and showed Martinez a second yellow card, resulting in his dismissal. The defender reacted angrily, but the decision stood as Manchester United were reduced to ten players.

The Premier League's Match Centre account subsequently provided an explanation on X, clarifying the reasoning behind the referee's decision and the VAR intervention that changed the outcome.

The official statement read: "After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of no penalty to Chelsea and also awarded Martínez a second yellow card for a reckless challenge."

VAR officials also questioned Martinez's intentions during the aerial challenge, stating: "He's not attempting to play the ball. I can't see him attempt to do anything else other than jump into his opponent leading with an arm here."

Bankes subsequently confirmed his final decision, describing the challenge as reckless and awarding Chelsea a penalty alongside Martinez's second yellow card.

Cole Palmer confidently converted the resulting spot-kick, strengthening Chelsea's advantage against their struggling opponents. United's numerical disadvantage made a comeback increasingly difficult, leaving Carrick facing renewed scrutiny following another damaging defeat.

Martinez's dismissal could have significant consequences for Carrick's position, intensifying uncertainty surrounding Manchester United's managerial situation as pressure continues mounting at Old Trafford.