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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Mark Walker

Shaun Maloney involved in bizarre family bust-up with own player as Wigan relegated

Shaun Maloney was involved in a bizarre family bust-up involving his own loan player, a Reading star and his dad just seconds after his Wigan Athletic side were relegated.

The former Hibs boss was unable to keep Wigan in the English Championship after Reading scored an injury time equaliser to claim a 1-1 draw.

But as Maloney went onto the pitch to console his players and acknowledge the fans, he was amazed to be challenged by Reading's Femi Azeez and his father. His brother, Miguel Azeez, is on loan with Maloney's side from Arsenal, but has hardly featured for the Latics.

And it was reported Maloney and the men had a huge argument centred on Azeez's lack of playing time.

Ahead of the game, Femi Azeez 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.

He 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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