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West Ham reinstate coach suspended for attending controversial march

FBL-ENG-PR-WEST HAM-MAN UTD
[FILES] West Ham United's Chilean manager Manuel Pellegrini (L) watches on as West Ham United players celebrate after Ukrainian striker Andriy Yarmolenko's shot was deflected into the goal off Manchester United's Swedish defender Victor Lindelof for West Ham's second goal during the English Premier League football match between West Ham United and Manchester United at The London Stadium, in east London on September 29, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / Ian KINGTON

[FILES] West Ham United’s Chilean manager Manuel Pellegrini (L) watches on as West Ham United players celebrate after Ukrainian striker Andriy Yarmolenko’s shot was deflected into the goal off Manchester United’s Swedish defender Victor Lindelof for West Ham’s second goal during the English Premier League football match between West Ham United and Manchester United at The London Stadium, in east London on September 29, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / Ian KINGTON
West Ham have reinstated youth coach Mark Phillips after they suspended him for taking part in a controversial march last month, the Premier League club announced Monday.

The Hammers suspended Phillips after he attended a Democratic Football Lads Alliance march through central London in October.

The DFLA have faced accusations they are a racist and Islamophobic group, but Phillips defended them in a series of Twitter posts.
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“West Ham United can confirm that following suspension and subsequent investigation, academy coach Mark Phillips has been reinstated to his role in accordance with employment law, and has been reminded of his responsibilities,” said a statement issued by the east London club.

In February, West Ham sacked director of player recruitment Tony Henry over remarks he had made saying some African players “cause mayhem” and that the Hammers “don’t want any more Africans”.

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But it is understood Phillips’ comments were insufficient to justify his dismissal for breaching the Hammers’ social media policy and bringing the club into disrepute.
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