Sponsors Cut Wigan Athletic Ties
Two sponsors of Championship side Wigan Athletic have severed ties with the club following the appointment of Malky Mackay, despite an ongoing FA investigation into alleged racist, sexist and homophobic text messages he sent during his time as Cardiff City manager.
Since Mackay was confirmed as manager on Wednesday, kitchen firm Premier Range and energy drinks firm Ipro have both ended their associations with the club.
Premier Range, who became a sponsor of the back of Latics’ shirts in the summer, described its position as ‘untenable’.
The statement said: ‘Mr Mackay is under investigation by the FA for sending text messages that are at odds with the general ethos here at Premier Range – and, it would seem, Cardiff and QPR feel the same as us.’
‘The texts Mr Mackay has admitted to sending are wholly unacceptable – and the thoughts expressed within them are a shocking reminder of a past we thought football had left behind. A team that would employ a man who expresses views such these is not the kind of team Premier Range wish to deal with.’
Ipro added it ‘actively encourages positive working relationships that are not based on colour, race, nationality, religious belief, sexual orientation or age and cannot condone racism, sexism or homophobia. As a result, it is with deep regret that Ipro Sport will be severing its relationship with Wigan Athletic.’
The FA have released a statement saying their investigation into Mackay’s conduct is still ongoing.
