West Ham suspend coach who attended Democratic Football Lads Alliance march

The DFLA march took place in London on 13 October

West Ham have suspended one of their youth coaches pending an investigation into his links with the Democratic Football Lads Alliance.

Mark Phillips, who coaches the Hammers' under-18 side, said he attended a march organised by the group.

The organisation has been criticised by anti-racism campaigners.

Anti-discrimination group Kick It Out said it brought his support for the DFLA to the attention of the Premier League club.

Phillips tweeted about attending the DFLA's march through London last Saturday, as first reported by the Guardian.

Violence broke out at the demonstration when anti-racist protesters tried to block the DFLA's route.

There is no suggestion Phillips, who later deleted his tweets, was involved in any trouble and it is not thought he has broken any club rules by merely attending the weekend march.

The DFLA claims to oppose "all forms of terrorism and extremism" but has been accused of having links to far-right organisations.

West Ham declined to comment on the suspension but said it was an "inclusive club" that welcomed supporters regardless of gender, age, race, ability, religion or sexual orientation.

"We have a zero tolerance policy to any form of violent or abusive behaviour," said a club statement.

"We continue to protect and cherish those values and we remain committed to ensuring that every single member of the West Ham family feels safe, respected and included."

A Kick It Out spokesperson said: "We can confirm we've received a report about a West Ham coach claiming to have attended the DFLA rally. We have passed it on to the club and are liaising with them about the issue."