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West Ham reinstate suspended academy coach Mark Phillips and Kick It Out have demanded a ‘clear explanation’

Reinstated | West Ham academy coach Mark Phillips: West Ham United via Getty Images
Reinstated | West Ham academy coach Mark Phillips: West Ham United via Getty Images

West Ham have reinstated academy coach Mark Phillips after investigating his social media posts revealing 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.

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

It is 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.

A European Antifa splinter group who seperated from the large Anti-Fascist counter protest march emerge from a pub they were in while waiting for the DFLA (Democratic Football Lads Alliance) march through central London to arrive at its rally point on October 13, 2018 in London, England.
A European Antifa splinter group who seperated from the large Anti-Fascist counter protest march emerge from a pub they were in while waiting for the DFLA (Democratic Football Lads Alliance) march through central London to arrive at its rally point on October 13, 2018 in London, England.

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.

The decision to reinstate Philips has been met with criticism from the anti-discrimination charity, Kick It Out.

"In the interests of transparency, we hope a clear explanation of their decision will be made public. As ever, we are ready and available to offer support to the club around any investigation into potential discrimination – as well as advise on the best way forward when a club representative attends an event which is potentially divisive for the local community.”

Additional reporting by the Press Association