MARK Hughes launched a scathing attack on referee Mark Clattenburg and his two assistants in the wake of Rovers' 5-3 defeat to Wigan Athletic.

Although the Rovers boss ultimately conceded his players only had themselves to blame for their shock demise at the JJB Stadium, he was also less than complimentary in regard to the performances of the match officials, claiming Wigan's final two goals should both have been ruled out for offside.

"It (the referee's performance) affected the game," blasted Hughes.

"We got back on level terms, and with one less man you are hoping you are able to see it out.

"We let ourselves down a little bit defensively, but there were big calls for their last two goals being offside.

"Assistant referees have to help the referee in the middle of the park, and I just thought he got two decisions wrong.

"I keep on turning up at games and see assistant referees I've never seen before.

"I don't know where they come from, who they are, or how much experience they have got, and I think at times they undermine the guy in the middle of the park, and that makes it more difficult for them to do an already difficult job."

Clearly incensed by the course of events, Hughes tried to speak with Clattenburg after the final whistle, in an attempt to extract an explanation for some of his decisions, but both he and his assistant, Mark Bowen, were given short shrift.

"We tried to get into see him (Clattenburg) but he refused to speak to my assistant manager," said Hughes.