Gary Caldwell criticises referee after Fraser Murray's red card in Oxford United defeat

Wigan Athletic head coach Gary Caldwell felt the dismissal of Fraser Murray spoiled the game, as his side fell to defeat at Oxford United, writes Robert Dunford.

The midfielder saw red for a tackle on Jack Currie that referee Emily Heaslip deemed worthy of a red card.

It came just three minutes after Christian Saydee netted a stunner to swing momentum in favour of the Latics, who later fell to a Kai Andrews effort.

While there will be no appeal over the red card, Caldwell felt it confirmed why he believed officiating standards are failing to keep up with the levels required in League One.

He said “The referee spoils the game, by giving them a huge advantage. 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.

“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."

Wigan remain bottom of League One, still searching for an away win and indeed a second point away from the Brick.

Michal Helik opened the scoring for Oxford just before the interval, as a Joe Whitworth save fell back to the Pole, in a first half where Wigan were below standard.

Like Reading, the introduction of Saydee proved to make a difference, with the 24-year old netting a stunning effort on 69 minutes.

With the dismissal of Murray, and the subsequent losing goal courtesy of Andrews, Caldwell felt that while his side continues to struggle, the reaction in the second half pleased him.

He added “I don’t think it was tough at half time, we were by far second best in the first half. I thought Oxford were excellent, showed us a lot of respect and pressed us extremely high.

“We didn’t make good decisions, we didn’t look after the ball, we didn’t win enough duels or second balls, to get a foothold.

“That said, we didn’t give away a lot of chances. As a group we defended our box well, until half-time when we give a really poor goal away from a set piece.

“Second half I said to the players that there were no tactical changes, but we have to be more aggressive and believe we can get something from the game.

“And the players were brilliant.“I thought we won the ball back higher up the pitch and created moments.“

“Christian scores a great goal and we’re back in the game away from home, before the sending off.”