Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Sports Staff

West Ham reinstate academy coach suspended for attending DFLA march

West Ham academy coach Mark Phillips ( Getty )

West Ham United have reinstated academy coach Mark Phillips after investigating his involvement in a march organised by the Democratic Football Lads Alliance (DFLA).

The Hammers suspended Phillips in October after he attended a DFLA march through central London and later defended the group, which has been accused of Islamophobia and racism, in a series of posts on Twitter.

"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," a club statement said.

West Ham launched an investigation due to concerns Phillips' social media posts may have broken club regulations and he was subsequently suspended.

It's understood the club's inquiry found there were not sufficient grounds for dismissing Phillips for breaching the Hammers' social media policy and bringing the club into disrepute.

But Phillips, who coaches West Ham's under-18s, has been given a final warning over his conduct.

He will resume his coaching duties at the club after attending courses on discriminatory issues and bias, compulsory for all West Ham employees.

Phillips said he had attended the DFLA march and later defended the group on Twitter against claims it was "far right" and to blame for violence with the police and anti-fascism protesters.

PA

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.