Kick It Out critical of Wigan appointing Mackay as boss, as FA investigate offensive texts
Anti-racism group Kick It Out have criticised Wigan's decision to hire former Cardiff manager Malky Mackay.
The Scot is currently under investigation by the Football Association after a collection of offensive texts between Mackay and his former head of recruitment at the Welsh club Iain Moody were released to the press.
Many of the messages allegedly had sexist, racist and homophobic themes within them, but Wigan owner Dave Whelan said: "As far as I am concerned, we draw a line under it from today."
A Kick It Out statement read: "Wigan Athletic have disregarded the ongoing investigation being undertaken by the FA, and any potential punishment Mackay may face, by taking the decision to appoint him.
"We need to see leadership, and a respect for the processes in place, shown by football club owners to demonstrate how seriously they take tackling issues of exclusion, prejudice and discrimination.
"It remains to be seen if Wigan's position is one which the FA and all of football's so-called 'family' are happy with.
"The FA now needs to move swiftly to let everybody know whether they agree with Wigan's position or whether they will reinforce their own zero-tolerance stance on all such matters of equality and diversity."
Mackay was almost appointed the Fulham manager earlier in the season, but was not given the job after the text messages came to light.
Follow his appointment, Mackay said: "I made mistakes but I'm absolutely not racist. I hope going forward the people of Wigan see me as I am."
Mackay will take charge of his first Wigan game on Saturday at home against Middlesbrough.