West Ham United have sacked director of player recruitment Tony Henry following alleged comments he made about the club's policy on signing players of African descent.

Henry was suspended by the Hammers earlier this week after being quoted by the Daily Mail as saying that African players "cause mayhem" when they are not in the team.

West Ham have now conducted an in-depth investigation into the "unacceptable comments" made by the recruitment director, culminating in his sacking with immediate effect.

A club statement added: "West Ham United will not tolerate any type of discrimination. 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."

Speaking about the situation prior to West Ham's announcement, boss David Moyes said: "The comments are wrong. We were signing two players form Africa on deadline day so I can only say they are wrong.

"You can see the players we have signed the club has signed over the years, we sign good quality players, the best we can get, it doesn't matter where they are from."

Among those to have been targeted by Henry is former striker Diafra Sakho, who sealed a move to Rennes at the second time of asking earlier this week.