‘No more Africans’ West Ham director suspended

West Ham director of player recruitment Tony Henry has been suspended “pending a full and thorough investigation” over claims he said the club would not sign any more African players.

The Daily Mail reported on Wednesday night that Henry had sent an email containing the remarks on January 27.

A statement from West Ham on Thursday morning read: “West Ham United will not tolerate any type of discrimination and has, therefore, acted swiftly due to the serious nature of these claims.”

The statement continued: “The West Ham United family is an inclusive one where, regardless of gender, age, ability, race, religion or sexual orientation, everybody feels welcome and included.

“The club will make no further comment until the investigation has been concluded.”

According to the Daily Mail, Henry said the Premier League club wanted to limit the number of African players because “they have a bad attitude” and “cause mayhem” when they are not in the team.

Henry, it was claimed, suggested it was a policy supported by club management – but insisted West Ham had “nothing against the African race at all”.