Branislav Ivanovic opened the scoring in West London but was clearly in an offside position when turning Raul Meireles' cross into the net, and although Wigan equalised through Mohamed Diame, Juan Mata scored an injury-time winner.

Martinez said it would be 'a waste of time' to talk to the officials after the final whistle, but was trying not to get too downhearted.

He said: "I felt sorry for the referee because he relies on his linesman. When you're a referee you can't give that decision unless the linesman gives it to you.

"I was really worried during the game that the linesman wasn't getting the easy calls from positions when the striker comes into play from an offside position.

"I don't know what was wrong. It was really disappointing to see that the linesman was not helping the referee. For me to speak with them now would be a waste of time.

"We've had clear, clear calls against us this season. I don't want to go into a debate to say 'it is very easy to referee against little Wigan'. But unfortunately I believe this is the best league in the world and you should get better decisions.

"Someone asked me is it time to bring in technology, no it is time to bring a referee or linesman who knows the rules. We don't need technology for that. I'd better laugh about it because it is really cruel.

"We got a well-deserved victory at Anfield but that day we had a strong referee, unfortunately today we didn't have it.

Sad

"It is a sad moment for us because I love football, I don't want to go to a football pitch and see that the right calls aren't given.

"We have got used to the sense of injustice because it has happened so many times this season. We need to forget about it.

"I want to believe that everyone has good luck and bad luck. At the moment we've had a bit too much bad luck but we need the good luck back on our side.

"Clearly today, we came to Stamford Bridge and I thought we played really well, and we deserved a positive result. That's what I'm taking out of it."

On his side's performance, Martinez added: "I was very proud in the manner we kept composed, kept our discipline and worked hard to get a well-deserved equaliser.

"It's a difficult feeling to swallow. Everyone says the football can be cruel, well today is as bad as it can get from a cruelty side."