RED CARD BUST-UP!
JAMAHL LOLESI slated the officials after Kyle Amor was wrongly sent off.
The Saints prop got his marching orders from referee Ben Thaler for a 13th-minute high tackle on Liam Marshall.
But video replays showed Amor caught the winger legally with his first contact and Marshall jumped straight back up.
Interim coach Lolesi said: “It just wasn’t a red card. What I thought was really poor is the video ref is there to make calls for foul play.
“I just do not understand why they did not do that. The most important thing is making the right decision and that was the wrong one.
“I did not think the officiating was great. I feel sorry for the fans – they got short changed as well as us.” Despite the controversy, Saints produced a stunning display in their first game since coach Keiron Cunningham was sacked.
They played the best they’ve done all season, despite losing, and never let Wigan have an easy ride.
Fight
Lolesi added: “I could not have asked for any more. The players gave absolutely everything.”
Warriors coach Shaun Wane said: “I am really happy with the two points but lots of credit needs to go to Saints.” The champions led 8-2 at half-time with the first of Joe Burgess’ two tries but Saints started the second half on fire.
Morgan Knowles touched down to pull them level and Wigan knew they had a fight on their hands, even against 12 men.
Marshall nudged them ahead again with the first of his two tries but Regan Grace replied with a try on his debut.
Three tries in seven minutes from Liam Farrell, Marshall and Burgess put Wigan in control.
But Saints refused to roll over and a Tommy Makinson try showed there is lots of spirit for Lolesi and co-caretaker Sean Long to work on.
Wane added: “I am not bothered how we play in a game like that, we just want the two points.” WIGAN have handed France international Morgan Escare a contract extension until 2020.