FA needs 'root-and-branch' review of equality, says anti-discrimination group

Show Racism The Red Card have called for a “root-and-branch” review of equality at the Football Association following Greg Clarke’s resignation.

Ged Grebby, chief executive of the anti-discrimination campaign, also wants transparency on training received by FA executives after Clarke’s comments on black footballers, gay players and women playing football.

Grebby believes appointing a black successor to Clarke will not solve the systemic problems the sport faces.

“Having a black chairman will not solve the problem. What you do need is a full look at how the FA is run and the board,” Grebby added. “They need to look at the lack of black referees, the grass-roots support. It’s root-and-branch with the FA. I think the problems with football are massively deep-rooted and they come from the top. It’s a time to look at the whole game.

“There are good things happening at the FA. Gareth Southgate has been an inspiration, there are good people in their equality team. But it is not about good individuals, it’s about a whole different culture within the organisation.” 

Show Racism The Red Card have made themselves or their patrons - which include Shaka Hislop, Brendon Batson and Viv Anderson - available to the FA for consultation as they look to appoint a new successor. 

Grebby also feels it is important for the FA to make clear what training their executives are getting in their bid for diversity. 

“Clarke made a quick apology for saying ‘coloured’,” said Grebby. “There is a bigger issue behind how that happened. He showed a lack of education behind all the equality strands. 

“Are the FA providing training for all their top people? I presume they are but if they are, how often is it done? Is it embedded into their systems? These are the questions that should be asked.”