Anti-racism group Kick It Out have called on the Football Association to launch an investigation into alleged anti-Semitic remarks by Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan.

The controversy arose when the businessman appeared to downplay offensive comments that the Latics' newly-appointed boss Malky Mackay made about Jewish football agent Phil Smith, in an interview with The Guardian.

Although Whelan has since apologised for his comments and insisted that he may have been misquoted, Kick It Out have called into question whether he should be running a football club.

"He has brought into question whether he is a fit and proper person who should be running a professional football club," said the group in a statement.

"These comments must not go unchallenged and have to be investigated by the FA."

Whelan responded with a statement of his own, challenging the notion that he is unfit to run a football club and adding that he is taking Kick It Out's criticism with a pinch of salt.

"I take those comments, actually, with a pinch of salt. If they think I am not a fit and proper person to run a football club, I would strongly object to that," he told Sky Sports News. "I played football for 15 years, in all four divisions, I have played on probably every ground in England.

"I have had massive experience in football. I have brought Wigan Athletic from the fourth division to the Premier League, and two years ago we won the FA Cup.

"So I cannot accept that people think I would insult them, insult football in any way, shape or form. I love football passionately and I love Wigan Athletic passionately. I fight to get Wigan to do well. Our reputation, I don't want it tarnished. We are a very happy, honest club."

Kick It Out were also quick to condemn Wigan's decision to appoint Mackay as manager.