QPR boss Harry Redknapp believes Malky Mackay deserves his second chance in football management, despite an ongoing Football Association investigation into racist, sexist and homophobic text messages sent during his spell in charge at Cardiff. Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has offered Mackay a route back into the game despite criticism from anti-discrimination groups.
"I am sure his life has been hell for the last few months," Redknapp said.
"He has made a mistake but lots of people make mistakes in life - half the people who judge him have probably made more mistakes.
"It is easy to kick someone when they are down. He has got a second chance now. He has got the backing of the chairman and hopefully he will do well.
"He made a big mistake - you can't do what he did, and he has accepted that. He has apologised I am sure he has learned from that."
The club have reportedly inserted a clause allowing them to cancel the contract should the FA find their new manager guilty, and Redknapp gave the former Watford boss his full support.
"Whenever I have met Malky, I thought he was a decent person and a good football manager," Redknapp said.
"I get stupid messages from people all the time, silly jokes. I hate them and delete them straight away.
"But people do tend to do that in life, so he is not the only person who has made a mistake.
"He realises he has made a massive mistake and hopefully he will not make any more mistakes."
Redknapp added: "I am not condoning what he's done but he has got another chance. People get second chances in life.
"Have a look around the world and see what happens. There are people who come out of prison who have murdered people, beat up old ladies - they get second chances.
"Dave Whelan knows he is going to get stick, but it is his football club and he has done what he believes is right."
