Premier League Match Centre issue statement as Emi Martinez sent off in Man Utd match

The Premier League have explained why Emiliano Martinez was sent off for Aston Villa in their decisive clash with Manchester United. Martinez, 32, charged out of his goal following a weak pass from team-mate Matty Cash and clattered into United striker Rasmus Hojlund well outside of his area.

Referee Thomas Bramall had no choice but to shown the goalkeeper a red card with the scoreline 0-0 just before half-time. The Premier League's Match Centre account on X soon posted: "The referee's call of red card to Martinez for denial of an obvious goal scoring opportunity (DOGSO) was checked and confirmed by VAR."

Premier League Match Centre – based at Stockley Park – is the operational hub of the League that helps with the smooth running of matchday operations of the competition. It is linked into all 20 Premier League stadiums, the VAR Hub and broadcast partners around the world.

Martinez became the first goalkeeper to be sent off in the Premier League this season in what could be his final game for Villa. The Argentina international is of interest to clubs in Saudi Arabia while he's also been linked with United and former employers Arsenal.

After their final home game of the season against Tottenham last Friday, Martinez was emotional as he applauded Villa's supporters. Following his sending-off, manager Unai Emery sacrificed Marco Asensio to bring on second-choice goalkeeper Robin Olsen.

The Swede's contract is due to expire next month and he looks set to leave Villa Park. Unai Emery's side had to win and hope that teams above them dropped points in order to qualify for the Champions League next season.

Martinez might not be part of whichever European adventure they're in for next season. Emery, though, scoffed at suggestions that Sunday's trip to Old Trafford would be the 32-year-old's final game in a Villa shirt.

"No way!" Emery told TNT Sports pre-match. When asked if Martinez would be staying in Birmingham, the Spaniard bluntly replied: "See you later."

Emery had said after the Tottenham game: "We will see. Of course, it is the last match here [this season], and I don't know. We will see about the team, the players, but of course, they are responding on the field."

Image: Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images) Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)

Ahead of Sunday's clash with United, Emery insisted that Martinez was in the right frame of mind. "He is so focused, he showed last week against Tottenham, he is performing very well now he is in his best moment," he said.

"It is difficult for the team, it has been difficult for some players, for myself I was struggling five months ago with not enough results we achieved in that moment. But now I am so so happy with the individual responses of the players, how the team is focused in each match – as well some players with some speculation.

"But my only speculation is to play on Sunday, to be ready for Sunday and to get our best performances on Sunday."

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