Hammers suspend recruitment director
West Ham have suspended their director of player recruitment Tony Henry while they investigate claims he told agents the club do not want to sign any more African players.
According to a British newspaper, Henry said the Hammers 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".
The club announced yesterday that Henry has been suspended while an investigation takes place.
A West Ham spokesman said: "The club can confirm that director of player recruitment Tony Henry has been suspended pending a full and thorough investigation.
"West Ham United will not tolerate any type of discrimination and has, therefore, acted swiftly due to the serious nature of these claims.
"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."
It was reported that Henry sent an email on January 27, in response to an inquiry about a footballer of Cameroonian descent, to another senior West Ham official and an agent.