Controversy erupts surrounding Martinez's punishment.

A wave of controversy is erupting among Manchester United fans following a controversial incident involving Leeds United striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the FA Cup semi-final.

Calvert-Lewin grabbed Marc Cucurella's hair.

The incident occurred in the first half of the match at Wembley on April 26th, when Calvert-Lewin appeared to grab Marc Cucurella's hair during a challenge. Although this behavior is considered sensitive and has been severely punished before, the referee did not issue a card, leading many to question the consistency in the application of the rules.

Witnessing Calvert-Lewin escape a yellow card, Manchester United fans expressed their outrage on social media. Many argued that this was clear evidence of unfairness, especially since not long before, center-back Lisandro Martinez had been sent off for a similar offense. Notably, Martinez's victim was none other than Calvert-Lewin.

"MU is hated, so they deserve to be punished," one fan wrote. Another commented: "Unfair to MU." Another fan stated: "The same offense, but different penalties, and MU is always at a disadvantage in situations like this."

Martinez was suspended for three matches for grabbing Calvert-Lewin's hair. Photo: Reuters .

MU had previously attempted to appeal to reduce Martinez's three-match suspension, but their appeal was rejected by the FA Disciplinary Committee.

Martinez's case wasn't unique; earlier this season, Everton defender Michael Keane also received a red card for grabbing Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare's hair. At the time, the Disciplinary Committee emphasized that hair-pulling "should not be tolerated" and needed to be severely punished to ensure a deterrent effect.

Therefore, Calvert-Lewin's escape from a yellow card further raises questions about the inconsistency in officiating. Manchester United manager Michael Carrick expressed his frustration, calling the earlier decision regarding Martinez "shocking." He argued that a clear distinction must be made between touching someone's hair and an act of violence.

Source: https://znews.vn/bung-no-tranh-cai-quanh-an-phat-cua-martinez-post1646898.html