Manchester United Manager Michael Carrick Blasts 'Shocking' Red Card Decision in Leeds Defeat
Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick launched a furious tirade against the decision to send off defender Lisandro Martinez during a dramatic 2-1 Premier League defeat to bitter rivals Leeds United at Old Trafford on Monday night. The loss marked the first time United have been beaten at home by Leeds in the league since 1981, with Noah Okafor's brace securing a famous victory for the visitors.
VAR Intervention Sparks Controversial Dismissal
The flashpoint occurred in the second half when VAR official John Brooks advised referee Paul Tierney to review an incident where Martinez appeared to pull the hair of Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin. After consulting the pitchside monitor, Tierney showed the Argentine defender a straight red card on his comeback from injury, meaning he will now face a three-match suspension.
'It was a shocking decision to send Licha off,' Carrick fumed in his post-match interview. 'That's two games in a row we've had those decisions go against us, but that one was one of the worst I've seen.'
Carrick's anger was compounded by United's recent unsuccessful appeal to the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) after being denied a penalty for a challenge on Amad Diallo against Bournemouth, a match which also saw Harry Maguire sent off.
Carrick Details Incident and Hints at Appeal
The United boss expressed further frustration with Calvert-Lewin's challenge on Leny Yoro in the build-up to Leeds' opening goal, indicating that another formal appeal is likely. 'I'm going to have to discuss it, but I think it is a bad decision,' Carrick added.
He elaborated on the sequence of events: 'You can elbow Leny Yoro in the side of the head, a leading arm, obviously. Then you can throw your arm in Licha's face and as he's off-balance because of that, he half touches the back of his hair which pulls the bobble out and leads it to look like … I don't even know what it looks like.'
'It's not a pull, it's not a tug, it's not aggressive. He touches it and gets sent off. Worst of all is [the referee] was sent to overturn it as a clear and obvious error. It's shocking.'
Keane Urges United to 'Suck It Up' Despite Harsh Call
Watching from the Sky Sports studio, former United captain Roy Keane acknowledged the red card decision was 'harsh' but insisted Carrick must 'suck it up' and accept that United's slow start ultimately cost them the match.
'He's obviously frustrated but you have to suck it up,' Keane said on Monday Night Football. 'United never got going, he'll always be learning about this group and they'll have their ups and downs. Been all plaudits so far but this is a big setback. They don't want to finish season badly, tonight especially against Leeds, the way they performed is a big setback.'
Keane added: 'As ex-players that seems really harsh, but we've seen other players get sent off (for that). It is harsh but within laws of game, VAR you've got to accept it, we've seen it happen before.'
Calvert-Lewin Responds and Farke Celebrates Historic Win
Calvert-Lewin defended his role in the incident, stating: 'I don't make the rules. I felt my hair get pulled, told the ref, he makes the decisions. It's unfortunate for him, whether he's meant it or not. I hold no grudges.'
Meanwhile, Leeds manager Daniel Farke was delighted with his team's performance as they withstood a late onslaught after Casemiro pulled a goal back for United. 'We should have been more than 2-0 up in the first half, if I'm honest,' said Farke.
'Sometimes a red card can change something. We fell asleep at one set-piece and then it's more the Man U way and it's difficult to bring it over the line as a newly promoted side. To get a first win here in whatever it is, 40 years, is amazing and of course a big step forward.'
The victory provides a significant boost to Leeds' survival hopes in the Premier League, while leaving Manchester United to reflect on a costly defeat and a contentious refereeing decision that has sparked widespread debate.
