One of football's most powerful men resigned after calling Black people 'colored' and saying being gay is a 'life choice'

• Greg Clarke, Chairman of the Football Association, has resigned from his role after offensive remarks he made about both black and gay players.
• The 63-year-old described black players as "colored" and said being gay was a "life choice" in a video link meeting with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
• "I am deeply saddened that I have offended those diverse communities in football that I and others worked so hard to include," said Clarke.
• The former England international Darren Bent called Clarke's comments "awful, just awful."

Greg Clarke, chairman of the Football Association and one of the most powerful men in English soccer, has resigned from his role after offensive remarks he made about both Black and gay players during a hearing about racist abuse online.

Clarke, 63, was speaking via video link to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) about the problem of racial abuse online when he described Black players as "colored."

He apologized for the remarks when prompted, however, then went on to describe being gay as a "life choice."

Clarke, who was appointed chairman in 2016, resigned from his role with immediate effect on Tuesday while reiterating that he was sorry for his comments.

"My unacceptable words in front of Parliament were a disservice to our game and to those who watch, play, referee and administer it," he said in a statement.

"I am deeply saddened that I have offended those diverse communities in football that I and others worked so hard to include."

Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston said Clarke words were "completely unacceptable" and that he was right to step down, while the former England international Darren Bent tweeted to say: "Slip of the tongue was it? Awful, just awful."

Peter McCormick will now serve as the FA's interim Chairman while the board identify a full-time replacement.

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