BOSS Eddie Howe praised the discipline of his players after furious Wigan counterpart Owen Coyle had taken a swipe at Cherries’ conduct.

Coyle slammed the refereeing of match official Graham Scott – and aimed a thinly-veiled dig at Cherries – following a stormy and eventful clash at Dean Court on Saturday.

Lewis Grabban’s 43rd-minute strike, his fourth goal of the Championship season, handed Cherries a 1-0 victory over the 10-man Latics.

But much of the post-match talk was dominated by Callum McManaman’s second-half sending off for a late lunge on Cherries striker Brett Pitman.

The flashpoint sparked angry scenes as both teams clashed, with Coyle cutting a particularly enraged figure, while non-playing Wigan squad members were also ushered from the stands.

That incident came after referee Scott had also awarded Cherries a penalty amid vocal Wigan protests, with Pitman being denied by a fine Scott Carson save.

Coyle said: “There are decisions to be given in football. What we don’t need is players running after referees, demanding yellow and red cards for players.

“The referee is charged with a job and a duty to do. Sometimes, he will get it right and, sometimes, he will get it wrong.

“But I think he has to be left to his own devices without other people trying to influence what his role is.”

Cherries manager Howe told the Daily Echo: “It was a fiery game. You expect that between two teams who are desperate to win. We picked up a couple of bookings but we kept our heads and were sensible with our decision making and challenges.

“From our perspective, you need to keep 11 players on the pitch in order to try to pick up points. We are delighted with the players’ management of the game. I thought that was really good.”

While Coyle hit out at the decision to dismiss McManaman, Howe said: “I thought it was a high challenge. There were a couple of tackles that were getting a little bit naughty in the lead up to it.

“I just thought it was his exuberance that took him into it a little bit quickly. I did not think it was malicious but it was a red card, in my opinion. There was no intent, it was just enthusiasm that led to the tackle.”

Howe added: “I certainly hope the victory gives the players confidence and they believe how good they can be.

“Our two league wins at home have been extremely hard work and extremely tight games, but it shows what we are capable of.

“We still have a few players injured and once we get those players back, our squad will look very strong.”