FA charge Wigan chairman over racist remarks

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has been charged by the Football Association over remarks he allegedly made in response to criticism of the club’s decision to appoint Malky Mackay as their new manager.

The 77-year-old publicly apologised for comments attributed to him in the Guardian and strongly denied making any racist jibes, while also suggesting he was misquoted.

However, an FA statement read: “It is alleged the Wigan Athletic chairman breached FA Rule E3[1] in that his comments were abusive and/or insulting and/or constitute improper conduct and/or bring the game into disrepute.

“It is further alleged that this is an ’Aggravated Breach’ as defined by FA Rule E3[2] as it included a reference to ethnic origin and/or race and/or nationality and/or religion or belief.”