Carlton Cole went from hero to villain but it did not cost West Ham the game as they walked away from Wigan's JJB Stadium with all three points.

The in-form Cole netted for the Hammers in the 34th minute to atone for an earlier caution.

A great build up of play from Gianfranco Zola's men ended with Cole netting from a David Di Michele ball.

Just three minutes later, Cole was sent off for a second bookable offence by trigger-happy referee Stuart Attwell who handed out seven yellow cards and two reds for the match.

Wigan midfielder Lee Cattermole was given his marching orders in the 52nd minute for jumping into the back of Scott Parker.

Latics boss Steve Bruce was fuming at the referee in the post-match, saying he ruined the game.

"The game was ruined as a spectacle. Carlton Cole shouldn't have been sent off. Referee - use a bit of common sense," he said.

"It had the makings of a decent game but how he sends someone off in the first half for something as petulant as that I don't know.

"I feel a bit sorry for him because in my opinion Mr Attwell is not ready to step up to the plate."