West Ham United have suspended their director of player recruitment, Tony Henry, after he left them open to accusations of racism and potentially unlawful discrimination by telling agents in the transfer window that they don't want to sign any more African players.
After being confronted by the Daily Mail, Henrymade the shocking admission that West Ham do indeed want to limit the number of African players because 'they have a bad attitude' and 'cause mayhem' when they are not in the team.
West Ham said in a statement on Thursday: '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."
The FA have opened an investigation under rule F2 which covers their powers of inquiry.
Meanwhile the Professional Footballers' Association welcomed West Ham's quick response.
Their statement read: "The PFA strongly condemn any such views and there is no place for them in football. The swift action by West Ham United is encouraging and we trust they will deal with this in keeping with football's position on all matters of equality and anti-racism."
West Ham's Senegalese midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate posted on Instagram: 'African and proud'. The post was liked by fellow Hammers Manuel Lanzini, Adrian, Pedro Obiang and Arthur Masuaku.
