Wigan shirt sponsor severs ties with club after Malky Mackay appointment

Mackay was given job despite ongoing FA investigation into sexist, racist and homophobic text messages

Malky Mackay (left) and Dave Whelan shake hands at the DW Stadium (PA)

One of Wigan's shirt sponsors has severed ties with the club following the appointment of Malky Mackay as manager.

Mackay was confirmed as the Sky Bet Championship club's new boss on Wednesday despite an ongoing Football Association investigation into racist, sexist and homophobic text messages he sent during his time as Cardiff manager.

The move has caused controversy and kitchen firm Premier Range, who sponsors the back of Latics' shirts, has now announced it is ending its association with the club because it feels its position is "untenable".

A statement from the company, which only entered its agreement with Wigan in the summer, read: "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, 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 - and, it would seem, Cardiff and QPR feel the same as us.

"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."

PA