Wigan chairman Dave Whelan believes Liverpool's supporters deserve better after their side's top-four bid faltered.

Rafael Benitez's men were beaten 1-0 by the Latics in a lacklustre display at the stadium which bears Whelan's initials.

The Reds lie sixth in the table, a point behind fourth-placed Tottenham, and have now played more games than all of their rivals for the final Champions League qualifying spot.

And Whelan feels the club's American owners, George Gillett and Tom Hicks, are out of touch with the traditions of Anfield.

He told Sky Sports News: "The big sympathy I have is for the Liverpool supporters because they are a fantastic lot.

"Liverpool are in a mess. The owners, being American, I don't think they feel what we (British club owners) feel.

"I'm really, really sorry for their supporters. We went to Anfield earlier in the season and there's absolutely no atmosphere and no heart at all at present.

"The supporters feel that and I think the players are starting to feel it."