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Championship: Wigan chairman Dave Whelan charged by FA after recent comments

Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan and manager Malky Mackay
Image: Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan and manager Malky Mackay

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has been charged by the Football Association with an aggravated breach of its rules following his comments about Jewish and Chinese people.

Whelan made the comments in an interview with The Guardian newspaper shortly after the 78-year-old appointed Malky Mackay as the Wigan’s new manager. Mackay is under investigation for sending racist and anti-Semitic text messages.

The FA wrote to Whelan to ask him for his observations on the comments he made which he submitted on Wednesday.

Sky Sports News HQ understands that Whelan had sent them a two-page submission. It is understood Whelan had said he felt obliged to support his manager and reiterated that he is not racist.

Image: Dave Whelan: Charged by the FA after recent comments

Since being told by the FA that he was being investigated, Whelan had threatened to resign as chairman of the Latics if found guilty of racism by English football’s governing body.

Despite having until Monday to decide whether to charge Whelan or drop its investigation, the FA has decided to charge him after his alleged racist and anti-Semitic comments.

In a statement, the FA said: "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."

Whelan has apologised and said he will quit his position at Wigan if found guilty by the FA. He has until Dec. 5 to respond to the charge.

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