The Swansea City boss says he heard the instructions that Wotte gave to one of Saturday’s substitutes and whilst he wouldn’t elaborate on what it was there was little doubt that the instruction was not about passing the ball around!
Wotte had claimed after the 2-2 draw that Martinez was trying to get his players sent off with complaints about the way that Southampton challenged for the ball but this again was something that Martinez was ready to hit back on
He told the Western Mail “I don’t comment on other managers. He has got a massive job there
“He brought a player on and I heard the instructions he gave him and I don’t think it was very fair play.
“I don’t call for referees to book players, but what I don’t encourage is trying to change referee’s minds.
“The game is a contact sport, you have to be physical, but you have a judge there for when people step over the line.
“Southampton did that on Saturday, it was clear. They got one man sent off.
“But sometimes when you send one off it seems you have done enough to show that physicality was not legal.
“But I felt on Saturday it was more than that. I think at least two should have been sent off.
“It was clear to everyone and it is not the first time, but I think it is disappointing that we get targeted
“But my players are not playing in high heels. I think they can tackle and they can protect themselves.
“I think it is down to the referees in those situations. If you as a manager of a team want to go out and kick everyone then it’s a gamble, you might get through it or you might get players sent off.
“That is the reality. I would love to have referees who are strong and stamp their authority.
“I want them to be strong and if two people need to sent off that is what should happen.
“But I’m not going to cry because other teams are being more physical. That is part of the game. We can look after ourselves.”
