ANTI-RACISM GROUP Kick It Out (KIO) has questioned Wigan’s stance on equality after the club named Malky Mackay as manager.
Mackay is currently under investigation by the Football Association for racist, homophobic and sexist comments, and KIO claim the Latics have flouted protocol by appointing the former Cardiff boss.
In a statement, KIO said: “The FA began investigating in August alleged racist, antisemitic, sexist and homophobic comments made by Malky Mackay… we are still yet to hear whether this is near to reaching its conclusion almost three months on. Where does the case now lie and how close are we to seeing whether The FA will take the appropriate action?
“Wigan Athletic have disregarded the ongoing investigation being undertaken by The FA, and any potential punishment Mackay may face, by taking the decision to appoint him.
“We need to see leadership, and a respect for the processes in place, shown by football club owners to demonstrate how seriously they take tackling issues of exclusion, prejudice and discrimination.”
Before the season begun Mackay was set to become Crystal Palace manager but due to the offensive remarks coming to light, the south London club decided not to hire him.
KIO added: “It remains to be seen if Wigan’s position is one which The FA and all of football’s so-called ‘family’ are happy with. The FA now needs to move swiftly to let everybody know whether they agree with Wigan’s position or whether they will reinforce their own zero-tolerance stance on all such matters of equality and diversity.”
Others have been critical of Wigan’s selection, including ex-Brentford manager Leroy Rosenior. He told BBC Radio 5 live: “People have made a decision without finding out what's actually happened.
“When someone's going through an inquiry in which he's been accused of racial slurs and racial texts, I think that inquiry needs to be brought to a head and it hasn't been.”