Dave Whelan has to be trolling
For those watching Wigan Athletic take on Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon would’ve seen, what can only be described as, as horror tackle by Callum McManaman on Massadio Haidara. The 21-year-old, for those that haven’t seen it, lunged, knee high, into the Newcastle defender in a challenge which could easily have left the January arrival sidelined for some time.
Now, Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has come out and said McManaman has won the ball “As clean as a whistle”. Take that in for one second and remember back to the challenge from Sunday. Thought about it? Remembered the wince you made when you viewed it the first, second, fifth, tenth time? Yeah, now look at Whelan’s comments again.
The defensive mentality of club officials aids in bridging a gap between the player and a team, something which Whelan has done on numerous occasions in the past, be in through his personnel or with managers.
But, McManaman’s challenge is indefensible every way you view it. The height of which he lunged into Haidara, the last repercussions it could leave on both the player, apparently one who “Isn’t like that”, the club and the Newcastle full back.
Defending players is good, yes, but in circumstances such as these, where it’s clear that McManaman should’ve been punished, and is likely to pending an FA review, that Whelan should’ve just remained quiet and allowed the FA to do their job.
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