Wigan boss frustrated as eight set to miss QPR clash

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez is set to be without eight players for Saturday’s meeting with QPR through a combination of injury and suspension.


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Gary Caldwell must serve a one-match ban after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season while fellow defender Figueroa also sits out the key clash.

The Honduras international was sent off in the 12th minute of Monday’s 3-0 defeat by Newcastle at St James’ Park for a tackle on Papiss Cisse.

Figueroa was deemed to have denied the striker a clear goalscoring opportunity, and the Football Association upheld the decision this week, turning down Wigan’s appeal.

The Latics felt their defender was doubly harshly treated given the challenge was shoulder to shoulder and the ball rolled through to keeper Ali Al Habsi.

Martinez said: “I just felt that we were very unfortunate with the decision on the day but, from Maynor Figueroa’s point of view, he was devastated.

“All he did was challenge for a ball that he was entitled to and from then on he gets a penalty, we concede from it, and then he gets sent off. That’s punishment enough in my eyes, but then he has to carry a ban for the next game.

“So we had to do everything we could to try to give Maynor a little bit of fairness. Unfortunately that hasn’t been the case and in football you just move on. We accept the decision and we’ll get ready for Saturday now.”

Martinez believes the interpretation of the rule is seeing players punished too harshly for tackles and has called on the footballing authorities to look at it.

The Spaniard said: “The rule is clear in terms of if it’s a clear goalscoring opportunity and you’re the last man, it’s a red card.

“Then obviously there’s the interpretation of the referee, and we don’t make it easy for referees because there’s so much you have to take in in a split second. But I think bringing a bit of common sense into that rule would be important.

“I think the authorities should look into it. The last thing you want is to be punished so much for what could be an innocuous challenge or a fair challenge to compete for the ball. Football is a contact sport and will always be

http://www.london24.com/sport/qpr/wigan_boss_frustrated_as_eight_set_to_miss_qpr_clash_1_1733582

 

Could be a blessing in disguise

 

He is making his excuses already. 1st win of the season on the way. 1st away win since.....OMG is it really that long?

 

Its been ages pal

 

Heard this one before Cerny. I'd rather Caldwell was playing actually......

 

I really hope you were looking at football stats when you interrupted yourself for that last line!!!

Either that or you're a very proud man....

 

Think ou are right, i'd prefer Caldwell playing, he looksslow, any of our forwards, (whoever it is this week) would get passed

 

Good grief. If we can't beat Wigan with that many players out of action there really is no hope!

 

The way our 'luck' is at the moment, all the Wigan B team will come in and want to impress Martinez and have the game of their lives. So gloomy!! Hope we do have something to cheer about other than the occasioanl draw!