Wigan striker "got the ball as clean as a whistle" says Latics chairman Dave Whelan (From The Advertiser Series)

Wigan striker "got the ball as clean as a whistle" says Latics chairman Dave Whelan

3:18pm Monday 18th March 2013 in Sport

WIGAN chairman Dave Whelan has defended forward Callum McManaman after his horror tackle on Newcastle's Massadio Haidara in yesterday's 2-1 victory.

The 21-year-old, on his first Premier League start, escaped punishment from referee Mark Halsey for the knee-high challenge which resulted in the Magpies' defender being carried off on a stretcher, but Whelan believes it was an accident.

"The ball was there and McManaman got the ball as clean as a whistle, then followed through and they collided," he told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"The referee was 15 yards from the tackle. I don't think his view was blocked. He had a clear view. I had a clear view in the stands.

"He hasn't gone over the ball. That's an accident. There is not one ounce of malice in him.

"He is an enthusiastic young boy. He has got great prospects. He was very upset by it all."

The Latics chairman had his leg broken in the 1960 FA Cup final while playing for Blackburn and the injury cut short his career.

"When I broke my leg in the cup final it was exactly the same type of tackle," he added.

"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."