Former West Ham United forward Diafra Sakho claims that the club ‘do not want to sign any black players’ in light of the investigation into head of recruitment Tony Henry.
On Thursday, West Ham confirmed that Henry had been suspended pending a full and thorough investigation after a report emerged claiming that he had said that the club would not sign any more African players.
The Daily Mail reported that Henry said that African players “cause mayhem” when they are not in the team and that “they have a bad attitude”.
The newspaper reported that Henry sent an email on January 27 in response to an inquiry about a footballer of Cameroonian descent to another senior West Ham official and an agent.
In the email, Henry allegedly wrote: ‘We don’t want any more Africans and he’s not good enough’.
In light of the investigation, Sakho, who left the club on Monday to join Ligue 1 side Rennes, posted a message on Snapchat in which he accused the club of discrimination: “They [lie] to people. They pretend I am bad because I have [character]. I am [lion], they scared and now everyone gonna see why I wanna leave this club.
“Show all fans what is true. They don’t want black players. One by one we going out. Good luck all West Ham fans. Soon we see [truth]. I believe [in] justice.”
The club responded to the Tony Henry report on Thursday and said that they will not tolerate any type of discrimination.
A club statement read:
“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.
“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.”
West Ham have six players in their current first team squad of African descent – Cheikhou Kouyate, Pedro Obiang, Joao Mario, Angelo Ogbonna, Arthur Masuaku and Edimilson Fernandes
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