Martinez charged over ref comments

Martinez charged over ref comments

Published Sep. 26, 2012 1:00 a.m. ET

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez has been charged by the Football Association for comments he made after the Barclays Premier League game against Manchester United on September 15.

The Latics lost 4-0 at Old Trafford and Martinez was unhappy about a penalty awarded to the hosts as well as a Danny Welbeck challenge on Franco di Santo which he felt warranted a red card.

After the match, Martinez said: "I have come to United three times before today and for whatever reason we don't seem to be measured in the same manner as the team at home.

"The penalty is as bad a decision as you are going to see in the Premier League. In many ways, you feel as though you are fighting against a mountain.

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"There were tackles flying around that if they had been the other way round there would have been a couple of red cards."

Martinez described Welbeck's challenge as "completely reckless", adding: "It is a red card, for a Wigan player, Manchester United, everyone."

The comments prompted the FA to charge the former Swansea boss with a statement adding: "The charge is in relation to an alleged breach of FA Rule E3 concerning media comments which implied that the match referee and/or match officials in general are motivated by bias and/or brought the game into disrepute.

"Martinez has until 4pm on Thursday 27 September 2012 to respond to the charge."

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