Herman Ouseley, chairman of Kick It Out, has slammed the actions of Ian Moody and Malky Mackay and has labelled the beautiful game as “tainted” as the Football Association started an investigation into the pair’s time at Cardiff.

Moody yesterday resigned as sporting director of Crystal Palace after the FA were sent a dossier by Cardiff owner Vincent Tan on Wednesday night, which alleges misconduct by Moody during his time as head of recruitment at the club and Mackay as manager.

Mackay, who had been close to becoming Palace’s new boss following the exit of Tony Pulis last week, is being accused of exchanging homophobic, sexist and racist texts with the former Palace director as well as the rest of the squad, while they worked together at the Welsh club.

In one of the texts about possible signings, it read: “Not many white faces among that lot but worth considering,” while they described an official at another club as: “A snake, a gay snake. Not to be trusted.”

With Richard Scudamore sending sexist emails a few months ago, it is another damning indictment of the disgusting misogynist culture that still exists within football.

Ouseley said in a statement yesterday: “Kick It Out is aware but not shocked to hear of reports revealing alleged racist, anti-semitic, sexist and homophobic comments made by former Cardiff City manager Malky Mackay, and Iain Moody, the former Sporting Director at Crystal Palace.

“These revelations are further confirmation of how football is tainted with racism, sexism, homophobia and anti-semitism, and the culture which continues to exist throughout the game and in wider society as a whole. 

“The reality is that these views are most dangerously held by those people in positions of power, and the football establishment knows and condones it. What you see at face value is not always reflective of the attitudes which are actually held deep down. 

“It’s easy to present yourself as being reasonable and fair, and to behave in ways that hide prejudice and bias. 

“However, any in-depth forensic examination or analysis of hidden views would be likely to reveal otherwise. 

“That is what makes it difficult to eliminate and eradicate such prejudices, bigotry and even hatred.”

The Gay Footballers’ Support Network also released a statement. 

Press officer Simon Smith said: “The GFSN is saddened to hear reports of alleged homophobic comments by Malky Mackay. Homophobia is still a problem in football and we expect a high standard of conduct.”