Wigan Lose Back of Shirt Sponsor

English Championship club Wigan Athletic has lost its back of shirt sponsor after their controversial hiring of Malky Mackay as their new manager.

Mackay is in the midst of an investigation by the Football Association (FA) after text messages that he sent while he was the manager at Cardiff City were revealed.

The texts contained language of a racist, treat sexist and homophobic nature and the reaction to his return to football has not been a positive one for the club.

The club’s back of shirt sponsor Premier Range are the first to take action by severing their ties with the club despite only beginning the deal in the summer.

The Lancashire-based company released a statement saying: “It is with great sorrow that we have to announce we are breaking our ties with Wigan Athletic FC.

“Football is very close to our hearts here at www.premierrange.co.uk and we have always involved ourselves with local teams in one way or another.

“We had a great run with Burnley FC and were delighted when they were promoted this season.

“We thought that it was natural for us move onto another local team with Wigan and we decided to sponsor their shirts.

“Unfortunately, doctor their recent appointment of Malky Mackay has put us in a position that we find untenable.

“Mr Mackay is currently under investigation by the FA for sending text messages that are at odds with the general ethos here at Premier Range.

“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.”