Why was Lisandro Martinez sent off in Chelsea vs Manchester United Premier League 2026-27 clash?

The centre-back made a costly mistake in his own box.

Manchester United’s already challenging afternoon at Stamford Bridge became a nightmare thanks to Lisandro Martinez.

The Red Devils’ woeful start to the season continued after conceding two goals against the Blues, further affecting Carrick’s tenure at the club.

Their night worsened after the centre-back Lisandro Martinez was given marching orders by the referee. His reckless foul resulted in a penalty to the host team.

Lisandro Martinez sent off after a foul on Blues’ player

Shortly after receiving a yellow card for grabbing Morgan Rogers’ shirt, Martinez lunged at Wesley Fofana during a corner and punched the Chelsea defender in the face with a raised elbow.

Martinez received a second yellow card in the 63rd minute from the referee following a video review (VAR) and was sent off.

The Argentine defender received a red card from the referee, who also gave the home team a penalty. Chelsea’s lead was doubled to 2-0. Cole Palmer stepped up and comfortably converted the penalty kick.

Manchester United, who had already given up earlier in the second half, found the situation especially agonising. Morgan Rogers opened the score in the 50th minute by chipping custodian Senne Lammens after receiving a feed from Romeo Lavia and sprinting past Harry Maguire.

But their own player made the night dreadful. Martinez thought he had the ball in his own box. But his late lunge onto Fofana saw him get booked and sent off, reducing the club to 10 men.

Martinez’s error left the visitors with 10 men just thirteen minutes after the first goal, giving Chelsea a chance to double their lead. Palmer brilliantly slotted the ball in to extend the host side’s lead.

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