Wigan manager Roberto Martinez is under fire for what he described as “toxic behaviour” in the final game of the season, after a controversial dismissal of his team-mates.
Martinez’s side drew 1-1 with Reading in the Championship last Saturday, but he was forced to eject the entire side, including striker Daniel Ayala, after the game.
Martellini’s side lost 3-1 and then 0-0 in the third round of the FA Cup.
The Spaniard was criticised for making the decision and was then accused of being racist, when he appeared to take part in a racist chant during the game, which was eventually condemned by the FA.
He said: “I’ve had a lot of negative things said to me from all the fans.
The FA said the decision was made “based on a number of factors including the severity of the incident, the level of dissent within the dressing room and the intensity of the chants”.”
I was the only one who was on the pitch at that time, so I was the one who reacted in that way.”
The FA said the decision was made “based on a number of factors including the severity of the incident, the level of dissent within the dressing room and the intensity of the chants”.
It added that the decision to remove Ayala was a “totally understandable decision” and that the club “will continue to respect our supporters and support them to the best of our ability”.
“We would like to reiterate our apologies to Daniel and all Wigan fans,” the FA said.
“This is not acceptable behaviour in any circumstances and we apologise for any offence caused.”
Martinez has been in charge of Wigan since he took over in the summer of 2017 and his side are in fifth place in the Premier League, four points clear of Arsenal and Manchester City.
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