Chelsea handed new Lisandro Martinez Man Utd red card verdict after horror Cole Palmer challenge

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher believes Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez was 'lucky' for his challenge on Cole Palmer.

The incident occurred in the latter stages of Sunday's 1-1 draw at Old Trafford, as the Argentine lunged in on the 22-year-old - resulting in a yellow card. VAR did initially review the challenge but ruled that, while it was reckless, it did not cross the threshold to seriously endanger the Chelsea star.

Chelsea moved up to fourth in the Premier League table thanks to Moises Caicedo's equaliser, with the Ecuadorian midfielder cancelling out Bruno Fernandes' second-half penalty. However, the Blues were left aggrieved by the nature of the tackle from the Red Devils stopper - leaving Palmer icing the knee problem.

Gallagher claimed that although Martinez was lucky, because the centre-back was so close to Palmer and couldn't generate the intensity to endanger the England international, he avoided retrospective action.

"I think he’s lucky," said the former official. "His starting position is so close to Palmer, if he makes that challenge, comes in from distance, speed and intensity that’s when he’ll be in trouble.

"Because he is so close to him, he doesn’t generate that force. It is fleeting contact. Because it’s such a short distance, he doesn’t generate that intensity."

READ MORE: Premier League release controversial Chelsea statement after Man United red card decision

READ MORE: Pedro Neto losing it with Robert Sanchez speaks volumes as Moises Caicedo Chelsea truth revealed

Enzo Maresca admitted that he hopes the problem isn't too severe after Chelsea's medical staff were forced to monitor the issue. He said: "He was there in the changing room with ice.

"We are waiting now. Hopefully, it is nothing important."

Chelsea are back in action against FC Noah in midweek but Palmer will miss that tie after being left out of their UEFA Conference League squad for the Group Stage. The Blues will be hoping the problem isn't too severe to keep him out of Sunday's London derby showdown with Champions League rivals Arsenal.

football.london Chelsea WhatsApp channel

Want to keep up to date with the breaking and important Chelsea stories whilst on the move? Well now you can!

Click this link to follow the football.london Chelsea WhatsApp channel, where you'll be kept up to date on the latest Blues news wherever you are.

Just remember to turn on the notifications once you've followed, and you won't miss a beat!