Wigan manager Roberto Martinez slams 'disgusting' decisions

Angry Wigan manager Roberto Martinez claimed his side had been denied by two "disgusting" decisions against Chelsea.

Wigan crashed to a 2-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge to remain in the relegation zone with just six games remaining.

But Martinez said Branislav Ivanovic's opener and Juan Mata's stoppage-time winner were both offside.

"We were relying on good decisions, but the linesman has had a disgusting performance," said the Spaniard.

Wigan were full value for a point, but Martinez faces a huge task lifting his deflated players ahead of next Wednesday's home game with leaders Manchester United.

The visiting players surrounded referee Mike Jones and assistant Dave Bryan after Ivanovic's opener.

But after the Chester official consulted with his assistant, the goal was allowed to stand.

Substitute Mohamed Diame, who had missed the previous two games with a groin injury, thought he had secured a priceless point only for Mata to strike at the death.

Martinez, who absolved Jones of blame, added: "If I speak with them [the officials], it will be a waste of time.

"As a referee, you rely on your assistants but it's an easy decision to make.

"Today, my players were robbed and they do not deserve this result.

"We've got it back to 1-1 and then in the 92nd minute there's another shocking decision.

"Unfortunately, we can't control it. The linesman had a shocking day.

"We have had too many times this season when it's not about matter of opinions, it's about clear calls that have been against us.

"I don't want to go into the debate that it's very easy to referee against little Wigan but, unfortunately, I believe this is the best league in the world and we should get better decisions than that."

After hosting United, Wigan are away to Arsenal, but Martinez believes Wigan's spirited performance against Chelsea proves his players have the character to stay up.

"We are second bottom and you don't expect a team that is second bottom to come to Stamford Bridge and stop Chelsea in the manner we did," he said.

Even Chelsea's interim manager Roberto di Matteo admitted his side had been fortunate to secure a win which keeps alive their hopes of finishing in the top-four.

"I think Wigan were unlucky," said di Matteo. "I haven't seen a replay of the first goal so I can't really comment.

"But the result keeps us alive and puts the pressure on the teams above us."