West Ham United Football Club suspends Director of Player Recruitment, over claims of anti-African policy
The director of player recruitment at West Ham United Football Club of England, Mr. Tony Henry, have been suspended over claims that the club have no plans to sign any more African players. Henry was reported to have 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".
The club added that Henry has been suspended pending "a full and thorough investigation". It 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."
It added that, "All employees are trained on equality, diversity and unconscious bias. A statement from the Football Association said it will formally investigate the matter.
The Professional Footballers' Association said it was "shocked" by the reported comments and encouraged by West Ham's response. It responded that, "The PFA strongly condemn any such views and there is no place for them in football."
Six of West Hams current first-team squad members are Africans or of African descent with list including Cheikhou Kouyate, Pedro Obiang, Joao Mario, Angelo Ogbonna, Arthur Masuaku and Edimilson Fernandes. Senegalese striker Diafra Sakho left the club in the January transfer window to join Rennes, with Ghanaian international Andre Ayew moving to Swansea.
Seated 12th in the Premier League table, they are just four points above the relegation zone.
Tony Henry, played professionally for several clubs, including Manchester City, Bolton and Oldham. He previously worked for Everton, Sunderland and Chelsea before joining West Ham in 2014.
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".
The club added that Henry has been suspended pending "a full and thorough investigation". It 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."
It added that, "All employees are trained on equality, diversity and unconscious bias. A statement from the Football Association said it will formally investigate the matter.
The Professional Footballers' Association said it was "shocked" by the reported comments and encouraged by West Ham's response. It responded that, "The PFA strongly condemn any such views and there is no place for them in football."
Six of West Hams current first-team squad members are Africans or of African descent with list including Cheikhou Kouyate, Pedro Obiang, Joao Mario, Angelo Ogbonna, Arthur Masuaku and Edimilson Fernandes. Senegalese striker Diafra Sakho left the club in the January transfer window to join Rennes, with Ghanaian international Andre Ayew moving to Swansea.
Seated 12th in the Premier League table, they are just four points above the relegation zone.
Tony Henry, played professionally for several clubs, including Manchester City, Bolton and Oldham. He previously worked for Everton, Sunderland and Chelsea before joining West Ham in 2014.
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