Kick It Out condemns Port Vale's decision to overlook Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink over racism fears

Kick It Out has condemned Port Vale's decision to overlook Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink over fears of racist abuse from the club's own supporters.

Port Vale owner Norman Smurthwaite said he turned down the chance to appoint the former Chelsea striker - who is now in charge at QPR - as manager last year "because of the racial issue the club had got".

Vale were given a warning by the Football Association in 2013 following an investigation into racist chanting in a home match with Bradford

"I didn't think it was fair on him," he told The Sentinel. "Can you imagine the poor bloke getting abuse, along with the normal abuse if results were going against him?

"He would have been right for the club without doubt but I don't think the club would have been right for him."

Norman Smurthwaite, Port Vale chairman, has been criticised. Credit: PA Wire

Kick It Out and its chair, Lord Herman Ouseley, were heavily critical of Mr Smurthwaite, accusing him of an "outrageous" decision and of discriminating against Hasselbaink.