Wigan manager Roberto Martinez has risen to the defence of his defender Ashley Williams following the criticism that trailed his action in the game against Manchester United.William fired a shot at Robin van Persie at close range while the United forward was lying on the ground following a foul at the Liberty Stadium.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said Van Persie was 'lucky to be alive' after the incident in the 74th minute of the 1-1 draw.
Martinez said: 'I signed Ashley Williams for Swansea and I know his character inside out. I can guarantee you without even looking at the incident that he is not a nasty footballer.
'He is a winner and fully committed, a leader and a captain, and I don't for one second doubt that he did not do that on purpose.
'You see the incident and it is a very, very dangerous situation. If you see one of your players with a bang on the back of the head it is really dangerous and it can have bad consequences. You can understand that.
'It is an action of the game. He can show frustration - it is an emotional game and it is very unfortunate that it hits Van Persie in a part of the body where he could have been hurt heavily, and you don't want to see that.
'But from my point of view, I know Ashley Williams really well - when you sign a player you find out about a player and I can guarantee you he is not the type of footballer who would do that on purpose.'
Dec. 24, 2012.
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