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LISANDRO MARTINEZ avoiding a red card for his shocking challenge on Cole Palmer signals something could be wrong with refereeing, according to Mark Halsey.

The former Premier League referee believes the Manchester United defender was “very lucky” to escape a red card.

PA

Lisandro Martinez escaped a red card for his high tackle on Cole Palmer[/caption]

PA

The challenge could gave caused a serious injury[/caption]

AFP

Mark Halsey questioned why VAR did not intervene to send off Martinez[/caption]

Martinez caught Palmer high on his knee with a reckless lunge that could have led to a serious injury.

Ref Rob Jones booked Martinez for the tackle but VAR did not recommend a review, so there was no opportunity to increase the Argentine’s punishment.

Halsey cannot understand why VAR did not intervene and he believes Martinez would have walked if the ref took a second look at the incident.

Halsey told SunSport’s Whistleblower: “I was surprised that VAR didn’t recommend a review because I don’t think Martinez could have any complaints had he seen red card for that offence.

“Because it was for me, it was serious foul play. It was a challenge that endangered the player’s safety because he was so high. Okay, the force wasn’t there.

“But it’s a career threatening challenge when you’re going that high on someone’s knee.

“If officials do not think that’s a red card. Then there’s something seriously wrong. It’s not about knowing the laws of the game.

“I think Martinez was very, very lucky that he didn’t see red.”

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Fans were also shocked Martinez did not walk, as was Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca.

He said after the match: “I think there is not intention to take the ball and the foul is quite dangerous.”

“It is quite clear it is a red.”

While Gary Neville said in commentary: “When you go that high I think you’re asking for a red card. I think he’s lucky.

“When you go knee-high and the ball’s gone, I think it’s a red.”

UK rap artist Krept has shared fresh insights about his highly anticipated upcoming album alongside the new series of The Rap Game.

Known for his chart-topping success Krept, 34, opened up about his evolution as an artist offering a glimpse into his and Konan’s new album Young Kingz 2 which is set to release in February 2025.

Getty

Krept has shared fresh insights about his highly anticipated upcoming album[/caption]

BBC

The Rap Game will be making it’s return next month[/caption]

The music star described his forthcoming album as a “mature” progression from Young Kingz, his and Konan’s 2013 breakout mixtape.

Reflecting on how he and Konan have evolved over the years, speaking exclusively to The Sun he explained: “We’ve grown up a lot since Young Kingz and there’s a lot more to talk about.

“I’ve got records on there where I’m pouring my heart out to my daughter, there’s records on there that still represent how we’re feeling today, like what’s happening, updates on life, still incorporating the Krept and Konan that our fans love in terms of making vibes like the record with Popcaan and making those kind of vibes and having fun and also serious topics and things that we feel need to be spoken about.

“So yeah, it just feels like a more mature version of Young Kingz and just growing up and yeah, just life being life and us kind of documenting things that we’re just going through, you know, ups, downs,happy moments, fun moments, serious moments.”

Krept, whose real name is Casyo Johnson first broke onto the music scene as one half of rap duo Krept and Konan.

Over the years, they’ve built a strong reputation for mixing gritty lyricism with mainstream appeal, especially with songs like Freak of the Week and G Love.

With their music charting high and collaborations with notable artists like Wiz Khalifa, Jeremih and Stormzy they have elevated UK hip-hop to new heights.

Outside of music the rap duo host BBC’s hit show The Rap Game which see’s new rap artist compete for a cash prize and the help to launch their music careers.

Alongside BBC’s 1Xtra DJ Target, the trio serve as mentors to emerging talent across the UK and with Season 6 dropping November 5^th.

Krept gave a sneak peek into what fans can expect from this year’s line up.

“Rap Game, we always get a variety of contestants from all around the country. I think that’s what makes the show so sick, people coming from different walks of life, different accents,” he explained.

“We always film in a different place, last time it was Manchester, then Birmingham, Liverpool. The experience of filming that with so many different talented individuals and being able to mentor them throughout the competition because we speak to them a lot about things that we feel like they can really benefit from or learn from.

“I think mentorship is just something that we’ve always done throughout our careers even artists that are in the game now, so many artists that we’ve mentored, sat down, given our time to, given advice to.

“Filming Rap Game, it’s so entertaining, it’s so fun. Everybody just has fun and seeing an artist go in there one way and then leave with so much confidence, learnt new stuff, taking away what they’re learning and going on to just have the opportunity to win cash, to be able to help develop their music careers and spend the money on things that they might not have been able to do prior.”

“It’s just a great process and a great thing to do,” he added

BBC

Over the years the duo have built a strong reputation for mixing gritty lyricism with mainstream appeal[/caption]

LEWIS HAMILTON sensationally hinted he could leave Mercedes early after a “disastrous” weekend at the Brazil Grand Prix.

The seven-time world champion finished 10th on Sunday following an action-packed race at Interlagos.

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Lewis Hamilton was left dejected following the Brazil GP on Sunday[/caption]

Sky Sports

The Mercedes man gave a brutally honest message to his team after the race[/caption]

He struggled with car issues throughout the weekend – which were not helped by a series of heavy rain showers.

And by the time he reached the chequered flag, the Mercedes man was left completely deflated.

With his blockbuster move to Ferrari on the horizon, Hamilton gave a brutally honest message to his team in the garage.

He even suggested it could be the “last time” he drives for the Silver Arrows.

He said: “That was a disaster of a weekend guys. That is the worst the car has ever been.

“But thank you for continuing to try. Great job from the guys at the pitstop.

“If this is the last time that I get to perform, its a shame it wasn’t great, but grateful for you.”

Speaking after the race, Hamilton even suggested that he would “happily” take the rest of the year off despite three races remaining.

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He told Sky Sports: “We were just slow. The car was really, really tough.

“The team could have won also today, so at least one car was behaving a lot better.

“It’s like a plank of wood. It’s like, no suspension.

“It’s bouncing on the tyres everywhere and you can’t get on the power anywhere.

“It’s just the worst ride, I think the worst ride that we’ve definitely ever had, particularly through corners. It’s just so stiff.

“But hopefully we won’t have any more bumpy tracks. I think the last three aren’t so bumpy. But yeah, I could happily go and take a holiday.”

Hamilton has just three races remaining with Mercedes before joining Ferrari – in Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi.

Kimi Antonelli will replace Hamilton at Mercedes next year.

The 18-year-old will drive alongside George Russell next season having impressed in F2 having come through Mercedes’ junior programme..

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