THE PROFESSIONAL Footballers’ Association has reacted to criticism from leading players that it has not been proactive enough on equality issues by laying down a six-point call to action, including a version of the “Rooney rule” to encourage black managers and coaches.

The move came after the Reading striker Jason Roberts, one of the prime movers, along with Rio and Anton Ferdinand, in a protest against perceived complacency on the issue, made it clear that his refusal to wear a Kick It Out T-shirt in last weekend’s warm-up was not intended as a slight on that organisation but as a call to arms to the PFA and football authorities.

“The last generation suffered from monkey chants and we have to move it forward from simply being happy that we no longer get that,” said Roberts. “I’m not just happy to be here where we are. We should have the same opportunities as other people to get into management and coaching.

“We should have a serious approach to representation. Kick It Out should be seriously funded. We should have a serious, properly funded and staffed equality department with strong leadership within the PFA.”

The Ferdinands released a joint statement yesterday in an attempt to draw a line under their involvement in the recent controversies, and in it they commented: “On the issue of ‘Kick it Out’, we would like to go on record to say what fantastic work they have done in the past regarding education and awareness. However, times change and organisations need to change with them. We are more than happy to join the discussion, privately, to make ‘Kick It Out’ more relevant in its fight to stamp out racism in football.”

The PFA, which has strongly defended its role in tackling racism, put forward the plan after Roberts and others expressed frustration that ongoing discussions on the issue with their union over the past year had come to nothing.

The players’ union said the process of dealing with complaints of racism should be speeded up, consideration given to stiffer penalties for racist abuse and an English form of the “Rooney rule”, introduced by the NFL in 2003, brought in to ensure black candidates make interview shortlists.

Some believe an intervention like the Rooney rule would at least ensure that black candidates reach the interview stage and challenge a self-perpetuating culture where jobs tend to go to those already known to those in charge.

PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor, also proposed that the proportion of black coaches and managers should be properly monitored, that racial abuse should be considered gross misconduct and so potentially a sackable offence, and called on the game not to lose sight of other equality issues.

But Roberts is keen to move the agenda on to wider issues of representation and appears to have forced the PFA to respond, although both Roberts and Ferdinand have distanced themselves from suggestions of a new breakaway union for black players.