Controversy surrounded Bolton Wanderers hard-earned point against Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium last Saturday.

Manager Owen Coyle claimed Wigan’s opening goal was “yards” offside, while he defended his midfielder Fabrice Muamba against topical accusations of “reckless” tackling after his challenge left Wigan’s James McCarthy with a serious ankle injury.

Mick McCarthy will be out if action for ten weeks after Muamba tackled him from behind, a challenge described by Wigan boss Roberto Martinez as “un-necessary,” “reckless and “a football crime,” although the Spaniard was initially loathe to blame Muamba.

 

Coyle expressed his surprise at Martinez’s comments, saying: “Maybe with hindsight he’s protecting his club.”

And he added: “Fabrice is a very talented player – he went to try to win the ball, that’s all. We have to eradicate bad tackles but he never had any intent to try to hurt James McCarthy.”

The Trotters fell behind to a Hugo Rodallega goal, set up by a touch from Franco di Santo, before Johan Elmander equalised with his fifth EPL goal of the season, all in away matches.

But Coyle said: “We went behind to a goal that’s two yards offside. I felt that in real time, I’ve seen it again and when Di Santo picks up the ball he’s two yards offside. He’s not even close.”

Bolton host struggling Liverpool on Sunday afternoon at 4pm.

Croatian striker Ivan Klasnic has been released on bail by Greater Manchester Police pending further inquiries after a suspected sexual assault involving a 17-year-old girl last weekend.