Arrest Made Over Online Racist Abuse Of Footballer Romaine Sawyers

By Tony Winterburn • Published: 30 Jan 2021 • 19:48

Arrest Made Over Online Racist Abuse Of Footballer Romaine Sawyers. image: Pixabay

Arrest Made Over Online Racist Abuse Of Footballer Romaine Sawyers.

Police have arrested a man suspected of racially abusing West Bromwich Albion footballer Romaine Sawyers online. West Midlands Police said a 49-year-old man from Kingswinford, near Birmingham, was questioned in custody on Friday evening.

The force’s football hate crime officer is also investigating reports of another racist comment towards the player. The club contacted police after Sawyers was sent a racist message during Tuesday’s 5-0 defeat to Manchester City.

A club statement said: “Albion will offer Romaine the relevant support required at this time and continues with its long-standing commitment to help rid football of racism.” Albion boss Sam Allardyce also offered his support to Sawyers and questioned what could be done to stop online abuse.

He said: “It leaves a big question about whether reporting it is enough. Romaine – or any black person across the country – should not have to be open to any type of abuse on social media.

“He is extremely upset, as anybody would be. More than Romaine have suffered throughout football in the last few days. Social media sites need to act in a more responsible way. We have to do our best to cut this out.”

On Monday, the UK government held talks with current and former footballers about tackling discrimination and abuse. The government plans to introduce new laws on online abuse this year and the Premier League has launched its own online abuse reporting system.

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