sport news The FA publicly oppose their independent panel's findings on disgraced ... trends now The FA are seeking legal advice and could submit an appeal against their OWN independent panel's findings after they ruled that the disgraced ex-Crawley boss John Yems is not a 'conscious racist' By Sami Mokbel For Mailonline Published: 19:08 GMT, 8 February 2023 | Updated: 19:10 GMT, 8 February 2023 Viewcomments The Football Association have publicly opposed the findings of their own independent panel that ruled disgraced former Crawley Town boss John Yems is not a ‘conscious racist’. The governing body - who have appointed specialist diversity headhunters Perrett Laver to lead their efforts to fill a six-month old vacancy for an anti-discrimination figurehead - has been roundly criticised after the publication of a report into Yems’ disgusting racial taunts towards players during his time in charge of Crawley - a story first revealed by Sportsmail. Within the written reasons, the independent regulatory commission said Yems is not a ‘conscious racist’ - sparking outrage across the football community given the sickening nature of the slurs. However, the FA disagree with the resolution of their own independent panel and are seeking legal advice ahead of a possible appeal. The organisation also believe the 18 month ban meted out to Yems was too lenient. The FA are considering appealing against their independent panel's ruling that John Yems (pictured) is not a 'conscious racist' An FA statement said: 'The FA brought 16 charges of discrimination against John Yems. The independent regulatory commission decided on an 18 month ban for the 12 charges which it upheld or was admitted. We had requested a longer ban. 'Based on the evidence presented to the commission, we don’t agree that the panel should have found that this was not a case of conscious racism.' Ian Wright and Anton Ferdinand were among the high profile figures to condemn the FA’s written reasons on social media. Similarly, anti-discriminatory body Kick it Out has also criticised the FA’s independent commission’s report. The backlash comes as the FA continue to operate without a recognised equalities chief, a position that has been vacant for six months. It can be revealed the FA have entrusted London-based recruitment firm Perrett Laver to help appoint their next director of equality, diversity and inclusion - a crucial position within the organisation’s senior management team. The FA have been without a full-time equalities director since the summer following the departure of Edleen John. Ian Wright was one of the high-profile figures to criticise the findings from the report The FA are still looking for a full-time equalities director after Edleen John left the role last year But the FA are still to fill the vacancy, with no appointment understood to be imminent; a situation that has raised concerns from diversity figures within English football. The recruitment process is said to have started in October and interviewing for the vacancy has begun. However, the FA are still to fill the role but are said to be making good progressing in sourcing candidates. Nevertheless, it is understood the role is likely to remain vacant for the foreseeable future. In the meantime the organisation’s current equality, diversity and inclusion team, led by human resources director Rachel Brace, are continuing the FA’s work in the area. Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site (dailymail) and under his responsibility