Shaun Maloney was caught up in a family dispute seconds after Wigan were relegated after being confronted by his own loan player's dad.
The former Hibs boss has endured a tough time since stepping into the English Championship hot seat, with the club being hit with a points deduction during their survival bid, and an injury-time equaliser from Reading saw their relegation confirmed. As Maloney went onto the pitch to console his players and acknowledge the fans, he was challenged by Reading's Femi Azeez and his father.
His brother, Miguel Azeez, is on loan with Wigan from Arsenal but has struggled for game time, and it was reported Maloney and the men had a huge argument centred on Azeez's lack of playing time. Ahead of the game, Azeez Sr commented: "Miguel hasn’t really had an easy time there. He started with Kolo Toure and the new manager came in and hasn’t really trusted him, which has been disappointing."
And he took his frustrations out on the former Celtic and Scotland ace, who admitted after the game he was devastated to be relegated, with a three-point deduction for payment issues proving too much to overcome. Maloney said: "It's really difficult...it was a really difficult feeling at the end, a very difficult day for everyone really.
"It's just a real mixture of emotions, on a deeply painful day for everyone connected to the club. The players have given me everything, not just today but over the last 17 games. I couldn't have asked any more from them in terms of effort. We've won games, we've drawn games, we've lost games, but the players have been immense for me from day one.
"It's been such a unique situation this season for the club. When we got the points deduction, I think we all knew it was going to be very difficult. But in terms of the [players, I just need to give them a big 'thank you' for everything they've given to me and also to the club.”
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