Whelan on McManaman Tackle "These things happen in football"

Wigan Athletic owner Dave Whelan has told BBC Radio 5 Live that McManaman's challange on Massadio Haidara was an accident but the boy got the ball "clear as a whistle". His comments will infuriate fans as whilst the challenge may have been an accident, there was no apology from the striker who witnessed Haidara being taken off the pitch on a stretcher. Wigan manager Roberto Martinez also failed to ask how the 20 year old was in his post match interview.

Whelan said;

"The ball was there and McManaman went in for the ball and got the ball, as clear as a whistle, then followed through and they collided. He hasn't gone over the ball. That's an accident

When I broke my leg in the cup final it was exactly the same type of tackle. We both went for the ball. It brought back memories. It ruined my career. I am not going to criticise Norman Deeley.

These things happen in football. He came over the ball, but he didn't do it with the aim of breaking my leg."