FORMER SOCCER star Garth Crooks will no longer serve as a trustee for Kick It Out, football’s anti-racism body.

It is alleged that Crooks, who played for Stoke and Spurs amongst others, stepped down from his position in protest at the appointment of the body’s new chairman, Sanjay Bhandari who replaced Lord Herman Ouseley.

The former Tottenham forward, who is now a BBC pundit, felt ex-West Brom forward Brendon Batson should have been chosen instead of Sanjay Bhandari.

Crooks, 61, told the Telegraph that Kick It Out should be more “player-led” at a time when footballers are being racially abused on and off the pitch.

Regarding Crooks’ departure, the body added: “We’re grateful to Garth for his years of service as a Kick It Out trustee and his work towards making football a more inclusive place for everyone.

“We are confident he will remain an important voice in the fight for equality.

“Under our new chair Sanjay Bhandari’s leadership, we remain committed to tackling discrimination in all its forms against players, fans and anyone involved in football.”