Kick It Out app set up to help fans report racism is 'not fit for purpose', say several Premier League clubs The app was first introduced by Kick It Out in 2013 and updated two years later Clubs have highlighted how alerts haven't come through until after matches end Retrospective actions is possible but there are feats racist thugs are escaping By Mike Keegan For Mailonline Published: 23:39 GMT, 26 March 2019 | Updated: 23:42 GMT, 26 March 2019 Viewcomments A mobile phone app set up by Kick It Out to allow supporters to report racist abuse is 'not fit for purpose', according to sources at a number of Premier League clubs. The app, created by the game's anti-discrimination organisation, was first introduced in 2013 and updated two years later. It is supposed to allow fans to report anonymously instances of racist and other abuse instantly from inside the ground. An alert is meant to be sent to the safety officer at the stadium who is then expected to alert stewards and deal with the incident promptly. However, Sportsmail has heard from officials at top-flight outfits who have claimed that in a number of instances their stadium officers have not been alerted to alleged incidents until hours after the final whistle have passed. An app set up by Kick It Out to allow supporters to report racist abuse is 'not fit for purpose' While retrospective action is possible against offenders, the fear is that by not being able to act on reports instantly clubs are being put at a disadvantage - and that racist thugs may escape without punishment. A source said: 'There have been instances where the report hasn't dropped until Saturday evening, when the match has been played on Saturday afternoon. 'If the emphasis is on catching these idiots straight away then the app cannot be deemed fit for purpose. There is not much a safety officer can do when the alert drops and they are sat at home watching Strictly (Come Dancing).' Kick It Out have previously said that in the 2014-15 season 36 per cent of reports of alleged abuse were made via the app. In 2015 it was updated to allow supporters to attach incriminating video and pictures. In response to the allegation, Kick It Out say that the app is in addition to a number of existing options to report discriminatory behaviour they offer, along with text services set up by clubs and alerting stewards and security staff at the ground. They add that anything sent on the app when the user is offline will be delayed until their signal returns and say that many fans collect evidence first and send it in later on. Meanwhile, the Premier League have distanced themselves from reports that they are setting up a new organisation to compete with Kick It Out. The competition this week launched the 'No Room for Racism' campaign, which prompted fears that it was aimed at taking over from Kick It Out, which is currently being investigated by The Charity Commission. The app is meant to allow fans of any club to report any incidents of racism they have seen A Premier League spokesperson said: 'No Room for Racism is a message we will display for the next two match rounds on our social and digital media channels, on perimeter boards and elsewhere in stadia across the Premier League. 'Our aim is to use the popularity and reach of the League and our clubs to make clear we will not accept racism. This activity is complementary to Kick It Out and their logo will be prominently used, including on special captain's armbands, to recognise the significant contribution they have made to anti-discrimination in football over the last 25 years.' The move is thought to be a response to calls on the competition from campaigners and former players to do more to tackle racism in the light of a number of recent, high-profile incidents. Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site dailymail and under his responsibility