In a recent match at Old Trafford, Manchester United faced Newcastle United, where an incident involving captain Lisandro Martinez sparked a debate over a potential penalty. The pivotal moment occurred when Fabian Schar’s shot struck Martinez, leading to Newcastle players’ appeals for a handball.
Referee’s Ruling on the Martinez Incident
After reviewing the incident, former Premier League referee Keith Hackett supported referee Anthony Taylor’s decision not to award a penalty. Hackett emphasized that referees must determine the intent behind a player’s actions when assessing handball incidents. He stated that not every contact with the ball results in a foul, indicating there was enough doubt regarding Martinez’s intent to warrant no penalty.
VAR Review and Commentary Insights
- Video Assistant Referee (VAR) Stuart Attwell reviewed the incident but chose not to intervene.
- Gary Neville, during commentary for Sky Sports, suggested that preceding actions by Martinez, particularly his struggle with Newcastle defender Malick Thiaw, played a role in the decision. He argued that if Thiaw was not in close proximity, a penalty could have been awarded.
- Commentator Peter Drury described the situation as mutual contact, providing further context for the lack of a penalty call.
Player Performance and Reactions
Following the match, Ruben Amorim praised Martinez, highlighting his resilience and skills exhibited during the game. He acknowledged Martinez’s background as a World Cup winner, affirming his capability to handle high-pressure situations. Nevertheless, Amorim refrained from attributing the team’s overall performance solely to individual player fitness or injuries.
This incident reflects ongoing discussions surrounding handball rules within the Premier League and the complexities involved in officiating such moments. It underscores the vital role that both referees and VAR play in maintaining the integrity of the game.
