Wigan chairman Dave Whelan says Callum McManaman’s challenge on Newcastle’s Massadio Haidara was not reckless.
Haidara has suspected knee ligament damage following the studs-up challenge from Wigan forward McManaman.
“The ball was there and McManaman got the ball as clear as a whistle, then followed through and they collided,” Whelan told BBC Radio 5 live.
McManaman is set to receive at least a three-match ban for the tackle in the Latics’ 2-1 win over Newcastle.
“He hasn’t gone over the ball. That’s an accident,” added Whelan.
The Wigan chairman had his leg broken in the 1960 FA Cup final while playing for Blackburn and the injury cut short his career.
Whelan denied McManaman’s tackle was reckless in answer to a question, then added: “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.”
McManaman, 21, who was making his first start in the Premier League, got a slight touch of the ball before following through and catching the defender on the knee and thigh.
Haidara received lengthy treatment before being carried off on a stretcher.
The Football Association is set to take retrospective action on Monday afternoon as referee Mark Halsey did not see the incident, paving the way for them to step in.
“There is not one ounce of malice in Callum McManaman. He is an enthusiastic young boy. He has got great prospects. He was very upset by it all,” said Whelan.
“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.
“I always try to shake hands with the referee and linesmen before and after the match because it is a very difficult job. Mark Halsey is a very experienced referee.”
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew’s frustration was compounded when Maynor Figueroa appeared to handle in the build-up to Arouna Kone’s 90th-minute winner for Wigan.
“It was an awful tackle. I have got a boy going to hospital and that’s a worse feeling than losing,” said Pardew.
“It looks like knee ligaments and he’s got terrible bruising on his leg as well.”
Wigan boss Roberto Martinez admitted it was a bad challenge but also defended McManaman after the game.
“If the opposing player has a bad injury, as a club we will contact the player,” added Martinez.
“I can guarantee that it is part of his enthusiasm and trying to fight for every ball. Maybe it’s just a striker’s tackle.
“I believe it is a bad challenge but it’s not malicious.”
Source: BBC Sport
