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Wigan owner Dave Whelan has come under criticism for comments made to The Guardian that he did not find offensive some of the racist text messages for which new Latics manager Malky Mackay is under investigation. Former Cardiff City boss Mackay admitted to referring to Cardiff's Malaysian owner Vincent Tan with a racial slur in text messages, as well as derogatory remarks toward Jewish agent Phil Smith -- but Whelan said there was "not a lot wrong" with his new coach's statements. Whelan has since apologised for his comments, while West Ham's joint-chairman David Gold -- who is Jewish -- tweeted that it was a "most unfortunate comment" from Whelan. Simon Johnson of the Jewish Leadership Council said in quotes picked up by Sky: "Unfortunately Mr Mackay and now Mr Whelan have referred to some of the worst old-fashioned tropes, which have been used in the past as the basis of anti-Semitism and stereotyping of Jewish people. "Mackay used offensive language to insult a fellow participant in football using a tawdry racial stereotype." Johnson called Whelan's comments "disgraceful" via Twitter, while one of Wigan's sponsors, Premier Range, announced on Thursday it would be ending its partnership with the club following the hiring of Mackay. Kick It Out has called for the FA to investigate Whelan's comments, adding: "He has brought into question whether he is a fit and proper person who should be running a professional football club." Whelan apologised on Thursday evening, telling Sky Sports: "I would never, ever insult a Jewish person. I have got hundreds and hundreds of Jewish friends. I would never upset a Jewish person. I would never upset them because I hold them in the highest regard. "The Chinese community -- again, I've got loads of Chinese friends. I would never insult the Chinese. I know Malky Mackay insulted them and they take that name seriously. I understand their point of view completely. He apologised to them and I hope they accept that."
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