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Roberto Martinez blasts "ridiculous" deadline day fixtures

Martinez blasts
© PA Photos
Roberto Martinez believes that last night's Premier League fixtures 'affected' Wigan striker Hugo Rodallega, who was the centre of a rumoured move to Tottenham.

Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez has hit out at the Premier League schedule, which organised five games to be played on the night of the final day of the January transfer window.

The Spanish boss was especially angered as Latics striker Hugo Rodallega was the centre of speculation linking the player with a move to Tottenham Hotspur, who Wigan lost 3-1 to last night.

Despite rumours, Rodallega, who was left out of the squad to face Spurs, did not complete a move away from the DW Stadium.

"From our point of view, I don't think it was a good idea," said Martinez. "It becomes a bit of a circus. One of my players was in the middle of that speculation and it's not the right way to approach one of the most important games for this football club.

"I don't think it's the right thing. You want to make it a really special moment of the season and there's nothing bigger than a football game.

"It's just ridiculous. It affects human beings. Hugo had a little bit of a soft tissue problem but it was a big day of speculation and that should never be bigger than the celebration of the game, which is playing football."

Wigan failed to bring in any players on deadline day after Watford defender Adrian Mariappa rejected the chance to move to the top flight club.

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