Although it occurred in the third minute of the planned four-minute stoppage time, Lisandro Martínez’s intervention could have had much greater consequences for us had Cole Palmer missed any time for this reason.

Following the 1-1 draw at Old Trafford, head coach Enzo Maresca expressed concerns about the star kid’s left knee.

“He was there with the ice in the locker room. We are waiting now. I hope it’s nothing serious.”

“(…) I think it’s pretty obvious to almost all of us, but the referees there didn’t decide and made a different decision. (…) For me, when there is no intention of going to the ball and it goes towards the player. This is a red. (…) I think it’s pretty obvious it’s red.”

-Enzo Maresca; source: Football.London

It’s more like Nightmare Theater.

The league’s explanation for Martínez’s card not being upgraded to red during review is that although the tackle was “careless,” it was “non-serious foul play.” I mean, I guess Palmer’s knee and leg were still attached and there wasn’t blood spurting out as the referee drew a chalk outline of his body with magic spray, so you can see where the league is coming from.

We’re crossing all fingers and toes and other things that can be crossed while we wait for an update.

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