FA rap Whelan over race row
WIGAN chairman Dave Whelan’s future was thrown into doubt last night after he was charged by the Football Association over comments he made about Jewish and Chinese people.
Whelan, 77, was accused of anti-semitism and condoning racism after saying Jews “loved money” and that it was acceptable to refer to the Chinese as “chinks”.
The FA charged him for a breach of rules aggravated by a reference to race, nationality, religion or belief despite him submitting a dossier in his defence earlier this week.
Entrepreneur Whelan, who owns the DW Sports chain of fitness clubs and shops, threatened to resign if the FA brought charges, despite apologising for the remarks.
The former footballer, who bankrolled Wigan’s elevation from the fourth tier to the Premier League – though they are now struggling in the Championship – has a week to respond to the charge.
Whelan’s comments came after he hired manager Malky Mackay, himself being investigated over claims that he sent racist, sexist and homophobic text messages.