Wigan extended their unbeaten run to 13 games against a stubborn Queens Park Rangers side at the JJB Stadium, but the home side will be kicking themselves for not taking all three points.
A first-half opener from Andy Liddell appeared to put the home side on the victory trail, especially as they then proceeded to create numerous chances against a QPR side that was content to sit back and hit their opponents on the break.
Liddell's goal came in the 28th minute when he floated a free kick into the top corner from the edge of the penalty area after Neil Roberts had been brought down.
Wigan's impressive play suggested that there were more goals to follow and both Nathan Ellington and Jason De Vos should have extended the home side's lead.
But right on half time the visitors were handed an amazing equaliser when the referee completely missed a goal kick for Wigan and handed Rangers a corner, from which the visitors drew level.
The kick was only partially cleared and when Richard Langley lashed in the loose ball Andy Thomson touched it into the back of the net.
The official left the field to a storm of boos from both sets of supporters after missing a blatant penalty for each side, and again after the break he missed a clear offence when Wigan's Roberts was hauled down by Clark Carlisle.
But Wigan's inability to finish off teams when they are on the ropes again cost them victory, and but for a fine save from home keeper John Filan after 58 minutes, when he tipped over a free kick from Tom Williams, the picture for the home side could have been somewhat worse.
Rangers were lively on the break with Thomson and substitute Jerome Thomas a constant threat, but the home side held the upper hand for much of the contest and will be regretting the two points that went begging