Houston Dynamo to appeal Tomás Martínez red card decision

The Houston Dynamo announced on Thursday that they will be appealing the red card that was issued to Tomás Martínez in Wednesday night’s game against the Philadelphia Union. The card was issued in the 59th minute of the game after a video review. Referee Joseph Dickerson whistled for a foul after Martínez attempted to put a shot on target and stepped on Union defender Auston Trusty, but after reviewing footage on the pitch side monitor he determined Martínez had committed serious foul play that endangered the safety of the opponent and issued a straight red card. Per the Dynamo’s release the appeal has been supported by the Major League Soccer Players Association.

After the game Dickerson did not answer questions directly, as is in the rules, but had the fourth official deliver written answers to Jesus Acevedo Jr. The game was Dickerson’s fifth MLS game and he has issued two red cards and 19 yellow cards in that time.

If the appeal is upheld the red card will be rescinded and Martínez will be eligible for Saturday’s game against the Portland Timbers. If the appeal is rejected he will have to serve a one-match suspension on Saturday.