Football Association chairman David Bernstein has described quotes from a member of the Society of Black Lawyers that accuse the governing body of being "institutionally racist" as "ill-informed and unhelpful".
Peter Herbert made the remark earlier today in relation to the FA's investigation into allegations that referee Mark Clattenburg racially abused Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel during a recent Premier League fixture.
"These ill-informed and unhelpful remarks are at odds with the progressive and responsible approach being followed by the game with the support of Government to deal with these serious issues," said Bernstein.
"The FA will continue working to strengthen processes to eradicate all forms of discrimination in football."
It is anticipated that the FA will announce their verdict by the end of the week.