Wigan boss blasts red card decision in Oxford United defeat | Oxford Mail
0 Comments Skip to next photo 1/1 Show caption 1/1 Share
0 Comments This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald. Wigan Athletic boss Gary Caldwell was outraged at the referee's decision to send off Fraser Murray in their defeat to Oxford United.
Oxford ran out 2-1 winners at the Kassam Stadium in League One on Tuesday night courtesy of strikes from Michal Helik and Kai Andrews.
Wigan's Christian had equalised spectacularly after Helik's opener, but Murray saw a straight red just moments later for going in late on U's defender Jack Currie.
It took just four minutes then for Aaron Ramsey's side to regain the lead through Andrews' first United goal.
Latics head coach Caldwell was not happy with referee Emily Heaslip's decision, taking aim at the level of refereeing in the EFL.
"The referee spoils the game, by giving them a huge advantage," the Wigan boss declared.
Tyler Goodrham readies to cross the ball (Image: Darrell Fisher)
"Fraser’s gone in for a tackle, gone in low, he’s missed the ball.
"There were tackles and aggression all over the pitch – but we get the yellow card, we get the foul against us.
"For me, we’ve had it too many times away from home where the referee is giving too much to the home crowd.
READ MORE: Oxford United player ratings in League One win over Wigan
READ MORE: Oxford United beat ten-man Wigan to extend League One unbeaten run
Michal Helik puts Oxford United ahead against Wigan Athletic (Image: Darrell Fisher)
"This is a high level, we need referees to be strong.
"I don’t feel sorry for myself, we have to impact our season but I’ve been saying this for years. Too many times the referees cannot cope with the level."
The Tics remain bottom of League One after their defeat at the Kassam while Oxford have risen one place to seventh in the table.