West Ham suspends director over African players remarks
English premiership side West Ham United has suspended the club’s director of player recruitment, Tony Henry, over claims that the club had limited the signing of African players.
Henry reportedly said the Premier League club does not want to sign more African players because “they can have a bad attitude” and “cause mayhem.”
UK’s Daily Mail reports how Henry sent an email on January 27 telling an agent for the Hammers to disregard a player of Cameroonian origin after a scouting mission.
Henry reportedly highlighted “problems” with their former striker Diafra Sakho, who left West Ham to join French club Rennes on Monday.
West Ham United in a statement released on Thursday in London said that “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.”