The fall-out from the Republic of Ireland's aggregate defeat to France in a World Cup qualifying play-off courtesy of Thierry Henry's handball has led to renewed calls for television evidence to be employed at the highest levels of the sport.

However, Wigan manager Martinez believes mistakes will always happen and that they should be accepted rather than challenged.

He highlighted Geoff Hurst's goal in the 1966 World Cup final as a case in point.

"Football is a game of errors. You play with your feet, not like rugby or basketball which should be more controlled because you play with your hands," said the Spaniard.

"Part of the history of the game has been referees' errors. I agree video evidence would help with goalline technology because sometimes you are expecting the referee to get a decision right when he can't see it.

"On Wednesday the linesman had a great view and he made a mistake. That happens.

"It has been harsh on the Republic, who didn't deserve to be out of the World Cup on the basis of those two games.

"But it is part of the game. World Cups have been won by balls that didn't cross the line, we all know the incidents that have happened.

"I don't think that is going to change. If we change the game too much we would take a lot out of it."

Martinez admitted he would not criticise any of his own players involved in a similar incident as he expects them to be focused on winning the game.

The Latics boss said he was happy for the official to make decisions as he saw fit but was not in the habit of telling his side to own up to everything, however trivial.

"It is part of the game. We all need to understand how you feel as a player on the pitch," he added.

"It is very easy for us to say yes we want to be honest and keep our integrity and not be seen as cheats.

"But when your heart goes 200 beats a minute and there is the pressure of losing your job because of results it doesn't work like that.

"The reality is that you are on the pitch and you want to win and you will try everything and sometimes you are on the border of the rules and that is why we have a referee.

"He has to apply the rules and judge decisions."

With a touch of irony Martinez added: "If we had 11 v 11 with no referee I'm sure everyone would be very honest."