PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor defended the organisation's stance on Marlon King saying they were under no obligation to stand by players who break the law.

Taylor's assistant, Bobby Barnes, was less than unequivocal in his support of King - who was sentenced to 18 months in jail for sexual assault and actual bodily harm - admitting the player had brought the situation on himself which led his agent, Tony Finnigan, to hit out at the union for refusing to back his client.

But Taylor confirmed the PFA had not even been approached by King and were not obliged to support him, saying in a statement on the PFA website: "The PFA does not represent players when they have broken the law and been convicted on non-footballing matters."

The statement continued: "Nevertheless, should any member with anger management or other issues approach us for assistance we are always happy to provide that assistance through the Sporting Chance Clinic as has been the case with other such high profile cases.

"We have never been approached by Marlon King or his representatives for such assistance and are therefore unable to rely on any information other than the conviction and sentencing."

Finnigan was earlier bullish in his criticism of Barnes and the PFA.

He told Sky News: "I thought Bobby Barnes' comments were out of order.

"I thought Bobby should have been alongside him at the court to see how it developed during the week."

He added: "What's the union there for? To support their members. Why wouldn't they support him? They're supporting other players."

After the sentencing, Wigan chairman Dave Whelan was quick to announce his intention to sack the player.