Anti Racism group Kick It Out have criticised Port Vale owner Norman Smurthwaite for overlooking Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink for their managerial post.

Smurthwaite caused a stir recently after revealing that he did not consider Hasselbaink for the role at Vale Park back in 2013 'because of the racial issue the club had got'.

Football's anti-discrimination campaign Kick It Out, have been left angered by Smurthwaite's revelation and have branded the decision to snub new QPR manager Hasselbaink as outrageous.

Kick it Out Chairman Lord Herman Ouseley said: "This is outrageous that we have an owner admitting he wanted to protect a manager because of the possibility of abuse, he has discriminated against Hasselbaink and denied him the opportunity of being Port Vale manager.

"If there's a problem then it needs to be addressed and tackled. If education is needed then let's do something about it. It is a sad day for Port Vale Football Club in 2015 when a football club owner admits this.

"Are black managers not capable of protecting themselves? The main criteria should be the best person for the job. Owners and decision makers at football clubs have a duty of care to appoint the best candidate."