English Premier League: Referee Boss Apologizes to Wigan for Missed Offside Call

Brace yourself. A referee might have just admitted a mistake.

Unbelievable, I know. But true nonetheless.

From The Guardian:

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Roberto Martínez has received an apology from Mike Riley, the head of the Professional Game Match Officials Board, following Wigan Athletic's controversial defeat at Chelsea on Saturday. Wigan's manager claimed his relegation-threatened side were "robbed" as Chelsea struck twice from offside positions to secure a 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge.

The Spaniard has since spoken to Riley about the matter and says the PGMOB accepts mistakes were made. Martínez said: "He just said he understands that at the level of refereeing in this league, they should get that call right. I think that is a very honourable way to face mistakes. We are all capable of making mistakes and it is about how you react to them."

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If you missed the match, you can click here to watch a video of Branislav Ivanovic's opener for Chelsea. That one should have been an easy call. He was clearly offside.

Click here for Juan Mata's late winner. That call was a bit more difficult.

After the match, Martinez flayed the linesman, Dave Bryan, who had allowed the goals to stand. Bryan was taken off duty for Tuesday's match between Blackburn and Liverpool.

According to The Telegraph, Martinez claimed a "double standard" for big clubs and smaller clubs like Wigan, who are currently 19th in the 20-team English Premier League and facing the prospect of relegation.

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I’ve had two apologies from referees already this season after decisions have been made. You would never see those decisions against the top sides. All I want is to have strong referees. I just feel it’s a lot easier to make mistakes against us because there are no repercussions. There is not going to be a backlash against your decision.

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Make that three apologies.

Now, if only the FA would fess up to a mistake or two.

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