Wigan Athletic Football Club

• Nickname:Latics
• Founded:1932
• Manager:Roberto Martinez

• Ground:JJB Stadium
• Capacity:25000

Latics handed FA charge

06 Sep 2007 - 13:06:23

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Wigan Athletic have been charged with failing to ensure that their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion by the Football Association.

The charge relates to last weekend's 1-0 defeat at Newcastle United when the Latics were reduced to ten men following the dismissal of Kevin Kilbane.

The Republic of Ireland midfielder was sent off at the start of the second half for two bookable offences in the space of four minutes.

He was yellow-carded after 42 minutes for an ugly challenge on Steven Taylor and then within seconds of the second-half resumption, the former Everton man was sent off after picking up another yellow for a challenge on Alan Smith.

"Wigan Athletic have been charged with failing to ensure that their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion during the match at Newcastle United," confirmed an FA statement.

"The charge relates to the conduct of their players towards referee Steve Bennett in two separate incidents.

"The club have until September 19 to respond."

However, Wigan could well contest the charge as, after the match, manager Chris Hutchings questioned Bennett's decision to send off Kilbane.

"The referee said he led with the arm, but it was right in front of the dug-out and to me it was a clash of heads," he said.

"It would be interesting if the referee would come and have a look at it and have his say."