February 1 – English Premier league club West Ham United have become embroiled in a race row that has that has seen their director of recruitment suspended after reportedly claiming that the club do not want to sign African players because “they can have a bad attitude” and “cause mayhem”.
The Daily Mail reported that Tony Henry sent an email to another senior West Ham official and an agent explaining that the club “do not want any more Africans”.
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.”
“West Ham United is an inclusive, respectful and diverse football club. Equality is at the heart of our ethos and values,” the statement said.
“We take any allegations of discrimination extremely seriously and are now in the process of ascertaining the full facts behind this accusation.”
West Ham currently have seven African players on their books – although Ghana’s Andre Ayew left for Swansea in the transfer window. Henry is said to have sent the message on January 27 after an inquiry about a Cameroonian footballer.
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