Wigan Athletic boss Roberto Martinez has called for consistency in refereeing, arguing that all-two footed challenges should result in red cards.
On Monday the Latics will face Manchester City, who will be without captain Vincent Kompany after he lost an appeal against a four-match ban for a tackle in the FA Cup derby against Manchester United.
However, City boss Roberto Mancini was incensed when a similar challenge by Glen Johnson in last night's Carling Cup semi-final first leg was deemed a good tackle by referee Lee Mason.
Both players got the ball without touching the opposition player, but Martinez believes that every two-footed challenge should be punished with a sending-off.
"I do believe that we need to protect the players that we all love and are excited to watch, the only thing you need is consistency and you want to all those challenges being red-carded," said the 38-year-old manager.
Wigan currently sit 19th in the Premier League and are two points from safety.
Barney Corkhill
