West Ham suspend Tony Henry over claims of club policy against signing Africans

West Ham are 12th in the Premier League

West Ham have suspended director of player recruitment Tony Henry over claims he said the club would not sign any more African players.

The Daily Mail reported that Henry 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 Football Association says it will formally investigate the matter.

West Ham said Henry has been suspended pending "a full and thorough investigation".

A statement 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."

All employees are trained on equality, diversity and unconscious bias, said the club.

The Professional Footballers' Association said it was "shocked" by the reported comments and encouraged by West Ham's response.

"The PFA strongly condemn any such views and there is no place for them in football," it said.

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

Senegal striker Diafra Sakho left the club in the January transfer window to join Rennes, with Ghana international Andre Ayew heading to Swansea.

Cheikhou Kouyate said on Instagram on Thursday morning: "African and proud" in a post liked by team-mates Arthur Masuaku and Pedro Obiang

West Ham are 12th in the Premier League, but only four points above the relegation zone.

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

He played professionally for several clubs, including Manchester City, Bolton and Oldham.