Wigan Athletic's Dave Whelan charged by the FA for 'anti-Semitic' comments

The Football Association has announced that Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan has been charged with improper conduct for making alleged 'anti-Semitic' comments.

In an interview with The Guardian, the 78-year-old made what were deemed offensive comments about the Jewish community and also described Chinese people as "chinks".

A statement from the FA read: "It is alleged the Wigan Athletic chairman breached FA Rule E3[1] in that his comments were abusive and/or insulting and/or constitute improper conduct and/or bring the game into disrepute.

"It is further alleged that this is an 'Aggravated Breach' as defined by FA Rule E3[2] as it included a reference to ethnic origin and/or race and/or nationality and/or religion or belief."

Whelan, who recently threatened to quit his role should the FA find him guilty, has until 6pm on December 5 to respond to the charge.

The chairman's controversial claims emerged following the appointment of new manager Malky Mackay, who is also under investigation by the FA for a separate incident involving alleged offensive text messages.