Premier Range, the back-of-shirt sponsors for Wigan Athletic said they have been left in an “untenable” position following the hiring of new manager, Malky Mackay.
Mackay is currently being investigated by the Football Association into allegations of “sexist, racist and homophobic” text messages during his time in charge of Cardiff.
The club has already been criticised by anti-racism group, Kick It Out, which accused Wigan of “disregarding the ongoing investigation.”
However, owner, Dave Whelan, explained that it was in Mackay’s contract, that if he was found guilty, the club could cancel the deal.
Premier Range, which only started a sponsorship deal with the club in July said, in a statement:
“We thought that it was natural for us move onto another local team with Wigan and we decided to sponsor their shirts. Unfortunately, their recent appointment of Malky Mackay has put us in a position that we find untenable.
“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, 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.”
It’s the latest sponsor to take a stand in just a week, with Sheffield United’s back-of-shirt sponsor, DBL Logistics saying it would end its contract with the club if it employed Ched Evans. Today, United has confirmed that it has withdrawn its offer of training to the footballer.
