Football “must act” to give minorities top jobs,

Streatham MP and Shadow Business Secretary, Chuku Umunna, called on football clubs to give more chances to black and ethnic minority personal.

Mr Umunna stated it was a "disgrace" that black and Asian players made up a quarter of players in the Football League however only 2% were managers and none were directors.

The 35-year-old said it was time the Football League adopted the 'Rooney Rule', named after the American footballer Dan Rooney, that requires US sports clubs to interview at least one black or minority ethnic candidate for a management position.

In a speech to mark Black History Month, Mr Umunna claimed little had changed since his father was a board member at Crystal Palace in 1992.

                          

He said: "He was, as far as I’m aware, the only African director on the board of any Premier League Club at the time. Things haven’t changed much in 22 years.

"Look at Premier League clubs now and you'll see most have no people of colour on their boards or in any senior roles.

"We can’t carry on like this, this has to change. Can we really say to our young people that we rate their physical ability more than their other talents?"

The Labour MP said the 'Rooney Rule' had made a “real difference” in American Football and should be taken up by the Football League.

Mr Umunna continued: "Voices from both inside and outside the game, including Players Footballers' Association chief Gordon Taylor, have said there is a strong case for examining this proposal and whether it can be introduced in English football.

"Personally, I have a lot of sympathy for this and would think it deserves consideration."