Appointing a black man or woman as the next Football Association chairman would be a huge step forward, says England defender Tyrone Mings.
Greg Clarke resigned on Tuesday, November 10 after using “unacceptable” language when referring to black players.
“What we’re asking for is equal opportunities for both black and white people, or ethnic minorities.”
Clarke said his comments, made in front of a government select committee, were a “disservice to our game”.
As Tyrone Mings points out, the FA have been trying to drive change and have made some important strides. Incidents like today and out-of-touch leaders undermine that.
"At the top, there’s still a long way to go"https://t.co/Nc8DAt4lwx
— Melissa Reddy (@MelissaReddy_) November 10, 2020
He was also criticised for comments he made referring to gay players making a “life choice” and a coach telling him young female players did not like having the ball hit hard at them.
Mings was involved in the creation of the FA’s Football Leadership Diversity Code, which was launched in October.
Asked what it would mean to have a black man or woman as chairman, Mings said: “Of course it would be a huge step. It would be everything that a lot of people have worked for.
“So we’re not necessarily asking for that as a sign of, ‘we’ve made it now’ or, ‘this is what we’re fighting for’.
“What we’re asking for really is equal opportunities and for everybody to have a fair crack of the whip.”
Mings added that Clarke’s comments showed there is still “a long way to go” in dealing with equality and diversity.
