Source: Daily_Mail
Antolin Alcaraz will learn from spitting shame, insists Roberto Martinez
Wigan boss Roberto Martinez expects defender Antolin Alcaraz to learn a lesson from his three-match ban for spitting.[LNB]The Paraguay international was suspended by the Football Association after spitting at Wolves' Richard Stearman in Latics' last Barclays Premier League game on November 6.[LNB] Controversial: Antolin Alcaraz spits at Christophe Berra[LNB]Alcaraz explained that he was attempting to spit on the ground beside Christophe Berra, with whom he was arguing, but caught Stearman by accident.[LNB]Martinez has also pointed to other mitigating factors but both accepted the incident was inexcusable and did not contest the FA charge.[LNB]Martinez said: 'It was a very unfortunate incident. It is a bit of a cultural clash as well.[LNB]'We know he has learnt his lessons, he has apologised for it.[LNB]'He was very unfortunate because it was in the heat of the moment, with the importance of the game at that stage. He felt he was provoked.[LNB]'His reaction is something you cannot condone but it has different connotations back in his homeland.[LNB] Angry: Wolves players surround the referee after the incident involving Alcaraz[LNB]'What is very disrespectful here is not disrespectful in other countries and the other way round.[LNB]'That was a very unfortunate incident that he didn't mean to happen the way it happened.[LNB]'But it is easier to just accept that, learn from it and just move on in a professional manner. I think he did that.'[LNB]Alcaraz's ban will begin as bottom side Wigan face fellow strugglers Blackburn in a crunch encounter at the DW Stadium on Saturday.[LNB]The Latics have just five points after losing their last eight games in succession.[LNB] Battle: Alcaraz (right) and Kevin Doyle at Wolves two weeks ago[LNB]Martinez said: 'It is not good for us to look back. Obviously we are going to miss Antolin for three games and we need to accept it. That is what happens in football.[LNB]'We need to find the solutions to cope with injuries, to cope with suspensions.[LNB]'Obviously Antolin is desperate to help the team, especially in this situation we are in, so he is going to suffer a lot more not being on the pitch.[LNB]'It has been that sort of moment - everything that could go wrong did go wrong.[LNB]'Now is the moment to change it completely and make sure that we stop this negative momentum.'[LNB] Alcaraz swallows three-match ban from FA after Wigan captain punished for spit stormWigan boss Martinez said sorry to Wolves over Alcaraz spit storm, reveals McCarthy[LNB] [LNB]
