Ex-Love Island contestant Sherif Lanre has said he can't rule out 'unconscious racism' as a reason he was banned from the reunion show and thinks TV bosses have a vendetta against him.

The rugby player, 20, was removed from the house after an alleged inappropriate incident with Molly-Mae, in which he is said to have kicked her in the groin and used a vulgar term in front of her.

Speaking about not being invited to the reunion, Sherif told The Sun: 'I can’t rule out that racism was a factor here. I think there may have been some unconscious racism.'

'By that I mean, the producers might not have been aware of what they were doing, but they may have had an inherent bias in their minds that caused them to act against me.

'I think this vendetta against me is coming from people higher up in the company rather than by the producers who know me.'

Sherif also said that bosses told him he would not be required at the Love Island reunion as his contractual agreement with the show has ended.

The TV star added he never got a chance to say goodbye to his fellow islanders before being booted from the villa and was looking forward to seeing them at the reunion and described the situation as 'upsetting'.         

MailOnline has contacted a representative of Love Island for further comment.  

Sherif was one of the original Islanders looking for love, but was removed from the show a couple of weeks into the series, after Molly-Mae Hague was sent in. 

He is said to still be eligible for the aftercare program that former contestants have access to. 

A source close to Sherif previously told The Sun about his ban from the reunion: 'Sherif is gutted. He was really looking forward to having the chance to reunite with the other Islanders who became his friends during the villa.

'It's hard to fathom why they wouldn't want him as he was so popular during his short stint on the show. He made a mistake and apologised, so why he is still be punished is hard to fathom.'

A spokeswoman for ITV confirmed: 'Sherif left this series of Love Island by mutual agreement after breaking the rules and there are no plans for him to appear at this weekend’s Aftersun Reunion.'

On Thursday, Sherif's rep commented: 'It would of been nice for Sherif to see his friends at the reunion; it's a shame ITV feel this strongly against him attending.' 

ITV had reportedly attempted to stop Sherif from signing a deal with online clothing brand BooHoo, claiming that he was still contractually linked to the Love Island partner I Saw It First. 

But their admission that he was no longer under a contract with ITV ultimately allowed him to sign with BooHoo - who, reportedly, offered him a six-figure deal.

Sherif only lasted nine days on Love Island - with his removal shrouded in mystery.

It wasn't explained on the show, he simply stopped appearing - with his then-partner Anna Vakili left uncoupled.

Speculation was rife that Sherif had snuck a phone into the villa with him, with further reports implicating him for inappropriate behaviour in the pool.

All of these were squashed, however, with the Molly-Mae incident said to be the real reason. 

On leaving the show, Sherif told The Sun: 'I’ve been stupid and let myself down. As someone raised by a strong and loving mother, I want to say that I would never intentionally offend women. I was completely wrong and I apologise.'

But he then appeared on Victoria Derbyshire and accused the series of 'unconscious racism'.

He said: 'I can’t rule out that racism was a factor here. I think there may have been some unconscious racism. By that I mean, the producers might not have been aware of what they were doing, but they may have had an inherent bias in their minds that caused them to act against me.

'I say this because there were so many things I was pulled aside on.'

ITV said at the time: 'We would strongly refute any accusation of racism. All of the Islanders are treated fairly and in accordance with our duty of care.'