NEWCASTLE UNITED chairman Chris Mort has urged the fans who directed Islamophobic chants at Mido in last week's Tees-Tyne derby not to damage the club's reputation again.

The Football Association was forced to contact the Magpies and Middlesbrough this week after the Egyptian striker was subjected to taunts during the 2-2 draw.

Mido, and Boro, attempted to draw a line under the whole situation after the match by declaring the matter closed.

And that has heartened their North-East counterparts, although Newcastle chairman Mort has opted to have his say ahead of today's visit of Wigan.

Writing in the official match-day programme, Mort hopes the incident was a rare occurrence and that Newcastle's fans will not resort to such measures again.

"As regulars at St. James' Park and those that follow us on the road will know, this is not typical behaviour from our supporters," said Mort. "At the club we value very highly the great work that has been done by, and with, important organisations.

"This club does not judge people on the grounds of race, religion or personal beliefs.

"As I have mentioned previously, I want to encourage fan participation. We have a potential competitive advantage with the positive support our fans can give to our players. However, we must all work hard together to make sure the Mido incident is a one-off."

Wigan manager Chris Hutchings has made his ninth signing of the summer with striker Marcus Bent moving to the JJB Stadium on a season-long loan from Charlton.

Wigan become the tenth club of Bent's career, which includes spells at Blackburn, Ipswich, Leicester, Everton and the Addicks.

However, Bent endured a lean time at The Valley following a £2.5m move from Everton in January last year, scoring just five goals in 52 appearances.

Hutchings, though, feels Bent's experience will prove invaluable and said: ''It's a great deal. We've got him on loan, which is a convenient arrangement for us. Marcus has played the majority of his career in the top flight."

Bent goes straight into the squad for today's game.