Second company ends deal with Wigan following Mackay appointment
Wigan Athletic have received another blow after drinks company iPro Sport ended their sponsorship deal with the Championship club, following the appointment of Malky Mackay as manager.
The Lancashire outfit lost sponsor Premier Range on Thursday, who had the company logo on the back of the team's shirts.
Appointing Mackay has been the subject of much criticism in recent days, as the former Cardiff manager is under investigation for sending offensive messages to Iain Moody, who was previously head of recruitment at the Welsh club.
A statement from iPro said: "The company has been a supporter of the team and fan base at Wigan FC and had looked forward to a long and fruitful relationship with the club as its hydration partner. However, the recent decision to appoint Malky Mackay as the club's new manager, in the light of the Football Association's investigation into inappropriate text messages that he apparently sent while manager at Cardiff City, is at odds with the company's business ethics and commitment to best practice.
"iPro Sport actively encourages positive working relationships irrespective of colour, race, nationality, religious belief, sexual orientation or age and cannot condone racism, sexism or homophobia.
"As a result, it is with enormous regret that iPro Sport will be severing its relationship with Wigan Athletic Football Club."
It is another serious blow for Wigan owner Dave Whelan who is currently under fire for his comments regarding Jewish and Chinese people.
Whelan, when discussing Mackay's text messages, told the Guardian: "I think Jewish people do chase money more than everybody else."
The former owner of JJB Sports has since apologised for the words used in the interview, saying he didn't intend to cause offence.