Whelan sorry over ‘offensive’ comments

Dave Whelan: Wigan owner sorry for newspaper comments

Wigan owner Dave Whelan has apologised for remarks he used in a controversial newspaper interview.

In defending new manager Malky Mackay, Whelan made comments about Jewish and Chinese people described as “offensive” by West Ham owner David Gold.

“If I have upset one person, I apologise,” said Whelan, who believes he was misquoted by The Guardian.

Anti-racism campaigner Kick It Out has questioned whether Whelan is a “fit and proper person” to run a football club.

Labour MP Ivan Lewis has called for the Football Association to take the “toughest possible action” against the Latics chairman.

Whelan is quoted using the term “chink” in his newspaper interview. The Guardian also claims the 77-year-old businessman said: “Jewish people chase money more than everybody else.”

But Steve Bruce, the Hull City manager who twice worked under Whelan at Wigan, has defended his former employer.

“I know him very, very well,” said Bruce. “There’s no racism in him at all.

“Sometimes words can be said which can be misplaced, they can be out there in the public domain, but certainly when I’ve worked with him there’s been no sign of racism.”

BBC Sport understands the FA is attempting to ascertain just what Whelan said before deciding what action, if any, to take.

Lewis has also urged the FA to “stop pussy-footing around ” with its inquiry into Mackay, who is being investigated following allegations he sent offensive text and email messages while he was Cardiff manager.

In one of them, Mackay is alleged to have referred to Jewish football agent Phil Smith in a derogatory way when he said: “Nothing like a Jew that sees money slipping through his fingers.”

Attempting to explain the appointment of Mackay, Whelan said there was not a lot wrong with the content of the Scot’s messages, going on to make his “Jewish people” reference.

BBC sport