Dave Whelan: Callum McManaman "got the ball"

Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan has insisted that Callum McManaman "got the ball as clean as a whistle" during his challenge with Newcastle United defender Massadio Haidara yesterday afternoon.

The Wigan winger's tackle left Haidara needing hospital treatment for what has been reported as knee ligament damage.

Despite the large amount of criticism that has been aimed at McManaman for his actions, Whelan has decided to back the youngster.

"The ball was there. Young McManaman went in for the ball and got the ball as clean as a whistle, but in the follow through they collided. The referee saw it all, he had clear view on that," he told BBC Radio Five Live.

The Football Association are expected to make a decision on incident once they have received a report from the match official Mark Halsey.