|
|
Manchester United clash was too big for the referee, claims Martinez
Sep 17, 2012 9:25:00 PM
The Latics boss was critical of Michael Oliver after the young official found himself at the centre of some controversial decisions going against the visitors at Old Trafford
Wigan manager Roberto Martinez has claimed that his side's clash against Manchester United was "too big" for referee Michael Oliver.The hosts were awarded a dubious penalty in the fourth minute when Wigan keeper Ali Al-Habsi challenged United striker Danny Welbeck, but appeared not to make any contact. But the Oman stopper denied Javier Hernandez from the spot seconds later to see justice prevail.
Goals from Paul Scholes, Chicharito, Alexander Buttner and Nick Powell in the second half were enough to seal victory for Sir Alex Ferguson's side, but Martinez feels the lack of decisions in favour of his side heavily impacted their chances of gaining some vital points.
"We want to come to places like this and get results like we did at other big venues last season, but you know it's going to be a tough ask when decisions start to go against you as early as the fourth minute," Martinez told the club's official website.
Martinez also believes that Oliver made the wrong decision to only book Welbeck for a crunching challenge on Franco Di Santo, and claimed the pressure of the game was too much for the 27-year-old referee.
He added: "Welbeck should also have received a straight red card for his challenge on Franco at the end of the game.
"You need mentally strong referees to make these decisions regardless of their surroundings and the teams playing, but unfortunately I thought the game was too big for the referee."
Wigan face Fulham at the DW Stadium on Saturday with the hope of returning to winning ways after a steady start to the season which sees them lie in 14th position.
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up to Paddy Power for £250 in free bets |
|
| Sign up today with Coral and get a £50 FREE bet - no strings attached! |
|
| Sign up today with BetVictor and get a £25 FREE BET! |
|
Related Stories
Inside Goal.Com
-
Ancelotti’s departure leaves PSG in a pickle
With the Italian bound for Spain, the Ligue 1 champions face an uncertain immediate future
-
Cartoon: Bayern & Dortmund given licence to thrill
Goal.com cartoonist Omar Momani gives us his unique take on the football news of the day
-
Soulless EPL must face up to grim reality
After a season marred by controversy and a failure of its top teams to put up a credible Champions League challenge, the world's supposed best league is falling behind
-
-
Why Real Madrid are appointing Ancelotti
After the decision to dispense with Jose Mourinho was announced on Monday, the Spanish side have set their sights on the PSG coach, and he looks like the ideal man for the job
