West Ham United suspend director of player recruitment Tony Henry amid racism claim

The FA said it is investigating West Ham United's director of player recruitment Tony Henry after the Premier League club suspended him on Thursday following claims of racial discrimination.

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

The Football Association said it is investigating West Ham United’s director of player recruitment Tony Henry after the Premier League club suspended him on Thursday following claims of racial discrimination.

According to a report in the Daily Mail, Henry said the club wanted to limit the number of African players in their squad as “they have a bad attitude” and “cause mayhem” when they are not in the team.

The FA confirmed it was formally investigating the matter, while West Ham said Henry has been suspended pending “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 club said in a statement. 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.”

Henry joined West Ham in 2014, having previously worked for Everton, Sunderland and Chelsea.

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

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Kouyate posted a message on Instagram on Thursday, saying: “African and proud”.