Stephen Warnock labelled Manchester United player, Lisandro Martinez, as a coward

Former Premier League defender, Stephen Warnock, labelled Manchester United player, Lisandro Martinez, as a coward after what he considered a dangerous tackle on Daichi Kamada, a Crystal Palace player.

The 11th placed United were forced to settle for a point at Selhurst Park after wasting several golden chances. Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes both hit the woodwork within seconds of each other in the first half, while Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson denied his former club with a series of fine saves. And there was a horrific moment in the second half when 26-year-old Martinez tried to deny Kamada with a two-footed tackle.

Both players involved only made partial contact with the ball, but the action left many feeling lucky to have only been booked. And Warnock gave his opinion on what the Argentine was thinking. "It was a cowardly tackle," he said." That's it. It was a cowardly tackle to come in and try to protect yourself. I just don't think I like it.

"The intention was there. I don't understand why you made that tackle. He was very, very lucky." Palace coach Oliver Glasner was furious after the match at the referee's decision, insisting that if there had been contact, his player would have left the field with a broken leg.

"Why did you make that tackle? It was completely unnecessary. You've given the referee a decision to make. He's given him a big decision to make," Warnock continued. "But the fact that he caught the ball before the player was a saving grace."

The incident was a reckless and ridiculous decision from Argentine defender Martinez, especially since he didn't need to tackle hard during the match. "Why make a tackle like that? Without a doubt, if he had taken one more step forward, he would have been sent off and he would have been banned," said Warnock.

"VAR checked the potential red card and confirmed the referee's decision that there was no red card, deeming it a reckless tackle and no contact with Kamada," wrote the Premier League Match Centre.