Source: Team_Talk
Martinez: No regrets over ref row
Wigan manager Roberto Martinez feels even more strongly about his comments regarding referee Stuart Attwell now he has been charged by the FA.[LNB] The FA hit Martinez with an improper conduct charge last Thursday as he accused Attwell of "lying" after the dismissal of defender Gary Caldwell during Wigan's 3-0 defeat at Manchester City.[LNB]Caldwell's red card for a challenge on Carlos Tevez that Attwell described as being with "excessive force" proved pivotal as the Argentina striker proceeded to score a 13-minute hat-trick.[LNB]Immediately after the game Martinez said: "We are all human beings and we all make mistakes, but to give a decision after something you don't see, that is lying. You are making it up.[LNB]"He (the referee) said he saw Gary Caldwell with both feet off the ground. That's why he gave the red card.[LNB]"But Gary Caldwell only went with one foot. That is a real injustice."[LNB]Asked today if he now had any regrets about his comments, Martinez replied: "Not at all. No.[LNB]"It's quite easy for me because I don't feel I was disrespectful to the referee at all. I stand by what I said. I was commenting on an action that resulted in a red card for one of my players.[LNB]"I'm looking forward to clarifying my comments and that everything is understood in the right manner."[LNB]Martinez, though, has admitted to "surprise" at the FA charge, and is now weighing up his response[LNB]"I understand how difficult a referee's job is and I support them 100%," he added. "But after the Manchester City game my comments were clear on the action and why the referee gave that decision.[LNB]"Quite clearly I have my point on it and after a few days now I feel the same, probably even stronger.[LNB]"I just hope now to explain them and make sure they are seen as a football matter, that I was never disrespectful, in any way shape or form, to the referee and a human being.[LNB]"What is quite clear is that we were punished on the day for a bad decision, and for another three games, which is too much, it is too unfair."[LNB]Martinez, who has until April 22 to respond to the FA, said: "We're looking into all the avenues and ways to do it in the right manner, making sure I can explain myself well, making sure everyone knows what I meant."
