Former West Ham striker Diafra Sakho claims the London club “don’t want black players” following accusations of racism against director of player recruitment Tony Henry.

Sakho joined Ligue 1 side Rennes last month after making 71 appearances for West Ham in all competitions – he scored on his debut against PSG in the Coupe de la Ligue earlier this week.

Henry was suspended by West Ham on Thursday after the Daily Mail reported he made discriminatory remarks about the club’s transfer policy.

He admitted sending emails to an agent and other club officials saying West Ham would not be interested in signing any more African players because some of them have a “bad attitude.”

Kick it Out chairman Lord Ouseley, speaking to the Mail, described the comments as potentially unlawful and Henry has been suspended by the club pending an FA investigation.

West Ham said: “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 PFA issued a statement, reading: “The PFA strongly condemn any such views and there is no place for them in football. The swift action by West Ham United is encouraging and we trust they will deal with this in keeping with football’s position on all matters of equality and anti-racism.”

Meanwhile, Sakho has accused West Ham of selling its black players “one by one,” suggesting that is the reason he wanted to leave.

Sakho, according to the Independent, wrote on Snapchat: “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.”