According to a report by Manchester Evening News on Saturday, October 31, 2026, the Premier League has explained why Chelsea were awarded a penalty and Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez was sent off during their latest meeting, dealing another blow to manager Michael Carrick.

Manchester United were already trailing 1-0 at Stamford Bridge following Morgan Rogers' second-half goal when Martinez's disciplinary error further weakened their chances of getting back into the match.

The Argentine defender, who had already been booked, challenged Wesley Fofana inside the penalty area during an aerial contest. Martinez jumped into the Chelsea defender without making a genuine attempt to play the ball.

Referee Peter Bankes initially allowed the game to continue because he did not spot the infringement. However, after receiving a recommendation from the Video Assistant Referee, he reviewed the incident on the pitch and reversed his original decision.

Following the review, Bankes awarded Chelsea a penalty and showed Martinez a second yellow card, resulting in his dismissal. The defender protested angrily, but the decision remained unchanged as United were reduced to ten men.

The Premier League's Match Centre account later explained the decision on X, outlining the reason for the penalty and the VAR intervention.

The official statement read: "After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of no penalty to Chelsea and also awarded Martínez a second yellow card for a reckless challenge."

VAR officials also questioned Martinez's intention during the aerial challenge, stating: "He's not attempting to play the ball. I can't see him attempt to do anything else other than jump into his opponent leading with an arm here."

Bankes subsequently confirmed his decision, describing the challenge as reckless and awarding Chelsea the penalty alongside Martinez's second yellow card.

Cole Palmer stepped forward to convert the resulting spot-kick, extending Chelsea's lead and making United's task even more difficult.

The numerical disadvantage left Manchester United struggling to mount a comeback, with Carrick facing further scrutiny after another disappointing result.

Martinez's dismissal could also have wider implications for Carrick's future, adding to the uncertainty surrounding Manchester United's managerial situation as pressure continues to build at Old Trafford.