Lisandro Martinez faces a three-match suspension after the Football Association found him guilty of violent conduct. The Manchester United defender pulled the hair of Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin during a recent Premier League fixture. Match officials did not see the incident at the time, but the Football Association reviewed video footage earlier today.
According to the Premier League, the standard punishment for violent conduct is a three-game ban. This decision means Martinez will miss upcoming matches against Chelsea, Newcastle United, and Crystal Palace. Manchester United chose not to appeal the charge after reviewing the evidence, per Sky Sports.
Calvert-Lewin did not sustain an injury during the altercation. The Football Association maintains that any action intended to cause discomfort or pain constitutes violent conduct, regardless of whether it involves a strike or a pull. United manager Erik ten Hag must now reorganise his defence for the remainder of the month as the club continues its pursuit of European qualification.
