Police arrest man over online racist abuse of Premier League footballer

Police have arrested a 49-year-old man on suspicion of racially abusing West Bromwich Albion midfielder Romaine Sawyers during Tuesday's 5-0 Premier League home defeat by Manchester City.

West Brom on Friday said they had contacted the police and would seek the toughest possible punishment after a racist message was sent to the 29-year-old Saint Kitts and Nevis international on social media.

"We've arrested a man on suspicion of racially abusing West Bromwich Albion player Romaine Sawyers online," West Midlands Police said on Twitter late on Friday.

"The 49-year-old man from Kingswinford was this evening taken into police custody for questioning.

"Our dedicated football hate crime officer is also investigating another report of a racist comment towards the same footballer. We will not tolerate racism."

Manchester United duo Axel Tuanzebe and Anthony Martial, as well as Chelsea full back Reece James were also the victims of online racial abuse this week.

Chelsea said in a statement on Friday: "This club finds racism and all forms of discriminatory behaviour completely unacceptable. We totally condemn it.

"In sport, as in wider society, we must create a social media environment where hateful and discriminatory actions are as unacceptable online as they would be on the street.

"We add our voice to those urging social media platforms and regulatory authorities to take stronger, more effective and more urgent action against this despicable behaviour.

"Something needs to change and it needs to change now."

Government ministers met top English players on Monday to discuss online abuse and discrimination as part of a series of 'Future of Football' discussions.

West Brom, who are second bottom with 11 points from 20 games, host Fulham later on Saturday.

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