Man United fans notice key detail missed in Lisandro Martinez red card for hair pull

Manchester United fans have pointed out the key detail missed by officials in Lisandro Martinez's red card for pulling the hair of Dominic Calvert-Lewin on Monday night.

2-0 down at half-time courtesy of a double from Noah Okafor, things went from bad to worse for United when Martinez was shown a straight red card.

The Argentine defender was given his marching orders in the 56th minute after a VAR review noticed he had grabbed Calvert-Lewin's hair while challenging for the ball.

Referee Paul Tierney was encouraged to go the monitor and proceeded to send Martinez off for an act of violent conduct.

"After review, the Manchester United No.6 is guilty of pulling his hair - violent conduct. My final decision is red card."

The red card followed up a similar incident which saw Michael Keane sent off for Everton earlier in the season but fans at Old Trafford were confused after failing to hear the referee's explanation of the decision on the tannoy.

Martinez headed down the tunnel despite protests and was seen explaining the incident to teammate Joshua Zirkzee.

Hair pulling is considered a red card offence in the game today but United fans spotted that during the very same tussle, Calvert-Lewin also appeared to have hold of Martinez's throat as he battled him.

The detail was not a point of focus for the officials but naturally it brought plenty of reaction from United supporters.

One fan on X fumed: "So Calvert Lewin can snatch at his throat, but Martinez cannot pull hair?"

A second livid supporter said: "Wdym Martinez is sent off for a hair pull whilst having his throat grabbed."

A third vented: "That is the most embarrassing red card I have ever seen. Calvert-Lewin has his hand on Martinez’s throat at the exact same time."

A fourth user added: "Calvert Lewin has Martinez by the throat at the same time but thats ok."

Casemiro pulled one back for 10-man United with a header from Bruno Fernandes' 17th assist of the Premier League season.

Martinez is set for a three-match ban following the dismissal and will miss huge clashes with Chelsea and Liverpool, either side of a game against Brentford.