West Ham suspend transfer chief over racism claim

England football club West Ham United has suspended their head of transfers Tony Henry pending a full investigation over claims that he had said the club would not sign any more African players.

"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," West Ham in an official statement said.

The statement further said, "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.

Earlier, a British daily had claimed that Henry, in an email sent to another club official, had said that they will no more sign African players, reports the Independent.

West Ham, 12th in the Premier League, currently have six African players in their match squad --Cheikhou Kouyate, Pedro Obiang, Joao Mario, Angelo Ogbonna, Arthur Masuaku and Edimilson Fernandes.