Source: Northern_Echo
Martinez calls for vigilance
WIGAN manager Roberto Martinez wants referees to become increasingly vigilant so that skilful players can perform without fear.[LNB] Martinez's side today face a Newcastle team who are without the services of Hatem Ben Arfa.[LNB] The 23-year-old midfielder suffered a double fracture of his leg following a challenge from Manchester City's Nigel de Jong.[LNB] While Martinez does not wish to see tackling outlawed, he is keen for players to act with care.[LNB] He said: The Premier League has a competitive edge. Tackling is an art and needs to be in the game.[LNB] You need to be accurate, not reckless, as you risk a red card, letting your team down and letting yourself down.[LNB] It is a thin line between a player getting injured or winning a challenge. It is important the referees get these decisions right so we can protect the creative players.[LNB] Those are the types of players the fans want to see.[LNB] Maybe 15-20 years ago you had footballers playing football.[LNB] Now you have athletes playing football.[LNB] That means the speed and the power of every challenge is different. You don't want to see players missing months of a season because of a bad tackle.'' Martinez believes Chris Hughton's side pose a stiff test.[LNB] Once you get relegated it is very difficult to regroup.[LNB] What they have achieved over the last 15 months is just an example of how things should be done in a challenging position,'' Martinez said.[LNB] Their results have been inconsistent but they have a very strong group of players who know what it means to play for Newcastle.[LNB] You need to match them physically and you have to match their enthusiasm.[LNB]
