Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has admitted that he is surprised by Roberto Martinez's continued defence of midfielder Callum McManaman.
A late challenge from McManaman on Massadio Haidara saw the Newcastle full-back stretchered off before Wigan went on to record a 2-1 win.
Wigan boss Martinez has defended his player over the incident on several occasions, but despite revealing that Haidara could return to action on Thursday in the Europa League, Pardew believes that the defence of McManaman is undeserved.
The 51-year-old told the Newcastle Chronicle: "I was surprised by comments from their manager and chairman that they thought it was a fair challenge. I think everybody could see that it wasn't.
"He won't play this weekend, but fingers crossed he will play against Benfica."
McManaman avoided punishment for the challenge after the Football Association decided against any retrospective action for the incident.
Darren Plant
