"The opponent's arm swung into Lisandro's face, causing him to lose balance and inadvertently touch the opponent's hair, dislodging the hair tie. This made the situation appear... I don't even know how it looked," Carrick stated evasively after the match.

The 44-year-old english coach highlighted that this was the second consecutive match where Manchester United suffered such decisions, following Harry Maguire's red card in the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth on 20/3. Carrick described referee Tierney's decision to show Lisandro a red card yesterday as one of the worst he had ever seen.

According to Carrick, Lisandro only intended to grab the opponent's shirt, and it was not an aggressive act, lacking any push or strong pull. He stated: "This is a shocking decision, truly ridiculous. This red card is concerning. I know Lisandro touched the hair, but it's very different from a violent hair pull."

Lisandro Martinez was sent off for hair pulling. Photo: Reuters

Lisandro was sent off in the 56th minute after referee Paul Tierney consulted VAR and determined it was a red card offense. At that point, Leeds were leading 2-0.

The center-back born in 1998 is not the first premier league player to be dismissed for a similar offense this season. Previously, Everton's Michael Keane also received a red card for pulling the hair of Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare in january 2026.

The new regulation in the 2025-2026 premier league handbook states: "A player will be sent off if they clearly pull an opponent's hair with excessive force." However, former player Jamie Carragher commented on Sky Sports that neither Keane nor Lisandro's actions fell under this category.

Main events from Manchester United 1-2 Leeds match.

"I don't think any fan, player, or manager watching that situation would think it was a red card," Carragher said on Monday Night Football. "Anyone in football would look at that and see it wasn't worthy of a dismissal. Sometimes referees shouldn't just rigidly follow the rules, but consider what the game needs."

In contrast to Carragher's opinion, former Manchester United defender Gary Neville agreed with the referee. Speaking on the Gary Neville Podcast, he stated: "It's not like spitting, but it falls into the category of actions you absolutely cannot do because you know you'll get a red card. Although it might have been a bit harsh, it was technically a red card. Players all know they are not allowed to touch an opponent's hair. The moment VAR got involved, Lisandro's dismissal was obvious."

Manager Michael Carrick after the 1-2 loss to Leeds Utd. Photo: Reuters

If the sanction against the argentine player stands, Carrick risks losing both key center-backs for the away trip to Chelsea on 19/4. Maguire is currently absent due to a direct red card in the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth on 20/3. He was also accused by the english football association (FA) of insulting a match official after being sent off. Manchester United will soon know the outcome of Maguire's disciplinary hearing before the Chelsea match.

When asked about a potential appeal, Carrick said: "I will have to discuss it with the team, but I believe this was a wrong decision." The strategist born in 1981 also criticized Noah Okafor's opening goal in the 5th minute, arguing that Calvert-Lewin fouled Leny Yoro during the attacking buildup.

"On that conceded goal, Yoro was elbowed in the back of the neck," Carrick declared. "I don't understand why VAR didn't overturn the decision. That goal should not have stood. He led the ball with his arm; I don't understand why the referee didn't review that situation."