A complaint of historic racism has been lodged to the Football Association against David Elleray, one of the most powerful officials in world football.
Elleray, chair of the FA’s referee committee and technical director of the International Football Association Board (Ifab), made comments to a black official during a referee conference at St George’s Park in 2014. In front of several witnesses, Elleray said to referee Rob McCarthy “You look rather tanned” and “have you been down a coal mine?”.
The FA said at the time it did not receive a complaint but “gave this matter its full consideration and it is our view that the comment did breach the FA Council Code of Conduct”. Elleray apologised, was reminded of the Council Code and took an equality and diversity training course.
However, a complaint from a whistleblower, who was present at the conference attended by more than 30 officials but wants to remain anonymous for fear of retribution, has now landed with the FA calling for an independent investigation into the 2014 incident, how it was handled by the governing body and Elleray’s conduct while working for the organisation.
At the time of the comment, Elleray, now 67, was chairman of the FA’s referee committee and held advisory roles at Uefa and Fifa. In 2014, he was made an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to football.
Elleray was a Premier League referee from its inception in 1992 to 2003, took charge of more than 70 internationals and refereed the FA...
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