Widen ethnic representation, English football told

English football must do more to involve ethnic minorities in coaching and administration, the game has been warned.

A UK government-appointed Independent Football Commission (IFC) has welcomed the number of black players and the scarcity of racist chanting but insists more needs to be done.

Leeds United and Rotherham United are among clubs praised for trying to attract non-white supporters and more clubs are urged to follow suit.

But the commission's second annual report expresses "real concerns" over the low number of black or Asian referees, managers, coaches and administrators.

The report does not actually accuse football of being 'institutionally racist', the term coined in a report into the death of black teenager Stephen Lawrence to describe "unwitting prejudice, ignorance, thoughtlessness and racist stereotypes which disadvantage minority ethnic people".

However, it reports that "several of those to whom the commission talked concluded that, within that definition, parts of football could be institutionally racist".

It adds, "The IFC suggest football widens its net and ethnic representation in the boardrooms, on Football Association (FA) committees, the FA council and the boards of Premier League and Football League clubs, as well as senior management on and off the pitch, is an achievable target over the next three years.

"If only an Asian player could be seen lifting one of the major club trophies; if only more black and Asian referees stayed the course and didn't find racial comments just one set of abuse too much on top of the referee's usual quota; and if only there was a black or Asian chairman at a Premier League club."

The IFC welcomed the Football Association's strategy to increase ethnic minority representation in the game's administration but warned that it had failed to make an impact.

FA chief executive Mark Palios said, "The FA is greatly encouraged that, on racism, the IFC reports 'football has achieved a great deal, notably the integration of black players and successful spectator education'.

"We are proud that English football is praised by UEFA as leading in Europe in promoting diversity and refusing to tolerate racist abuse. However, we share the IFC's concern that there is still more to do.

"The FA is passionate about ensuring that all people are treated fairly and with respect in football.

"We are committed to ongoing action, identifying where inequalities exist and taking firm steps to address them."

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore commented, "What we have to look at is whether, in senior management positions, we are representing the communities we serve.

"Are we as diverse as those communities? I can see that maybe we are not as diverse as we might be and that is what we need to address."