LMA: Mackay texts were 'friendly banter'

However, the LMA did add that the text messages sent during Mackay's employment at Cardiff were "regrettable" and that the ex-Watford boss wished "to sincerely apologise" if he caused offence.

The LMA put out a statement on behalf of Mackay after it was confirmed that the Football Association were investigating a dossier sent to them by Cardiff reporting sexist, racist and homophobic comments by the ex-Bluebirds boss and the club's former head of recruitment Iain Moody.

Additionally, Mackay's LMA statement admitted responsibility for "a couple of one line" text messages - saying they were mean to be light-hearted attempts to let off steam - but rejecting claims he had written "any homophobic or sexist messages".

The alleged text messages and emails exchanged between Mackay and Moody were discovered by Cardiff as they investigated the pair's transfer dealings. Moody and Mackay were sacked by Cardiff last season, with owner Vincent Tan accusing them of overspending in the transfer market.

The disclosure to the FA of these texts and certain emails led Crystal Palace to withdraw their offer to Mackay at the 11th hour. Moody is also resigning from his job at Palace, who he joined last season.

The LMA's use of the colloquial term "banter" to describe such texts - sent in a professional capacity - well, it's perplexing to say the least.

'Banter' is widely acknowledged to be a euphemism for risque comments made among friends, but is often misused as a defence for insults or general misconduct. And it certainly has no place in an official statement in response to serious allegations.

Regardless of one's views on political correctness, two senior executives discussing acquisitions and strategy in a multi-million pound business cannot refer to colleagues or suppliers in this manner, using official company devices. There is an implication that the ethnic background, sexuality or gender of individuals has some bearing on decision making, as highlighted with comments about a list of players "not [having] many white faces" and of a new signing from Korea being a "fkn ch**ky".

The nastiness and specific targeting of the abuse against co-workers makes it particularly troubling. It is idiotic at best and discriminatory at worst, and surely - whether the FA is able to punish Mackay or not - clubs will think twice before employing him.