Wigan 0-1 West Ham

Matthew Upson has crticised Wigan's players for their over-aggressive approach in last night's fiery encounter at the JJB Stadium.

Carlton Cole and Lee Cattermole were both sent off and Lucas Neill was lucky not to be dismissed as tempers boiled over during the Hammers' 1-0 win.

Wigan boss Steve Bruce later claimed that referee Stuart Attwell was not up to the job of officiating in the Premier League and spoiled the game by sending off Cole for two bookable offences before half-time.

But Upson claimed Wigan's players were too zealous in their approach and that Cattermole's challenge on Scott Parker warranted a red card.

Upson said: "The lads were a little bit incensed with a couple of the tackles that went in and studs were raised. And Cattermole's tackle? Well, he went in aggressively and he didn't win the ball. He cleaned Scott out but didn't touch the ball so the referee didn't have much of an option.

"Coley's sending off spoiled the game a little bit. Carlton didn't take his eye off the ball the whole time. If the defender ducks down and decides to head it, Carlton can't help if his foot's the same height and I don't think he really caught him."

Cole (celebrating with Mark Noble, below) was shown a second yellow card for catching Emmerson Boyce's face with his boot within three minutes of having scored the only goal of the game.

Neill should have gone for his over-the-ball lunge at Cattermole, who was sent off five minutes after the restart for his two-footed lunge at Parker.

Attwell, infamous for awarding the famous 'ghost goal' in the Watford and Reading match earlier this season, is the youngest in the top flight at just 26 and is in his maiden Premier League season but Bruce said has been fast-tracked too soon.

"I feel a bit sorry for him because in my opinion Mr Attwell is not ready to step up to the plate," said Bruce. "The game was ruined as a spectacle. Carlton Cole shouldn't have been sent off. Referee, use a bit of common sense.

"Lucas Neill should have been off the pitch for his tackle, which was horrific, but because Mr Attwell has put himself under pressure from sending off Cole in the first half when the major decision needs to be made, he hasn't made it.

West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola was more sympathetic towards the official, saying: "I told the referee I didn't think it was a reckless challenge, Carlton didn't even look at the defender he just went for the ball."

The sendings-off and seven yellow cards overshadowed the one shining moment with Cole's goal a textbook example of short, sharp passing. Parker slid the ball into David Di Michele who played a one-two with Mark Noble before playing in Cole on the left of the penalty area and he opened his body before curling a shot home.

Meanwhile, West Ham are adamant there is no danger of the club being placed into administration following tomorrow's scheduled court decision in Iceland.

Hansa, the holding company of West Ham owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, could be declared insolvent and stripped of its assets when court officials meet in Reyjkavik.

It is understood though, that there is no danger of the club going into administration since another company, West Ham United plc, are recognised by the Premier League as the member organisation, effectively firewalling the Upton Park club and ruling out any such punitive sanctions.