West Ham suspend transfers director against signing African players

West Ham have suspended director of player recruitment Tony Henry over claims he said the club would not sign any more African players.

The Daily Mail reported Henry sent an email that said African players "cause mayhem" when they are not in the team.

In a statement, West Ham said they will not tolerate any type of discrimination and have "therefore, acted swiftly due to the serious nature of these claims".

Henry has been suspended pending "a full and thorough investigation".

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."

The club says all employees are trained on equality, diversity and unconscious bias.

West Ham have six first-team squad members of African descent: Cheikhou Kouyate, Pedro Obiang, Joao Mario, Angelo Ogbonna, Arthur Masuaku and Edimilson Fernandes.

Senegal striker Diafra Sakho left the club in the January transfer window to join Rennes, with Ghana international Andre Ayew heading to Swansea.

West Ham are 12th in the Premier League, but only four points above the relegation zone.