According to a report by London Evening Standard on Monday November 2, 2026, Manchester United have received a verdict on Lisandro Martinez's controversial dismissal during their 2-0 Premier League defeat against Chelsea, with former referee Dermot Gallagher insisting VAR followed the correct procedure.

The Argentine defender was sent off after receiving two yellow cards at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, with his second booking coming following an incident involving Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana during a corner.

Martinez was accused of raising his elbow and making contact with Fofana's face while attempting to block his opponent. Although referee Peter Bankes initially failed to notice the incident, VAR intervened to review the situation.

Former Premier League referee Gallagher supported the decision, describing the VAR intervention as an example of a perfect process. He insisted Martinez's actions clearly deserved punishment because of the nature of the challenge.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Gallagher explained: "Perfect process. Referee didn't pick it up on the field. Definitely a reckless challenge. Look how far Martinez goes. Never once looks at the ball."

Former Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood also questioned why the referee failed to identify the incident despite seemingly having an excellent view of the confrontation.

Sherwood said: "The referee is looking straight at it. I don't know what he is looking at. When the corner comes in, you're looking for contact."

He further expressed his confusion, adding: "He has a perfect view. It baffles me how he hasn't seen it. He's only five yards away."

Sherwood subsequently joked that Manchester United manager Michael Carrick should appeal the decision and request a straight red card instead, which would increase Martinez's suspension from one match to three.

Meanwhile, former footballer Jay Bothroyd also supported the dismissal, suggesting that Martinez's actions could have been considered violent conduct because making contact with an opponent's face using an elbow could cause serious injury.

The incident has added another difficult moment to Manchester United's disappointing afternoon against Chelsea, as the club continues experiencing problems during a difficult period of the season.