Adrian Chiles in Peter Odemwingie own goal

Chiles, who hosted the awards last night at Birmingham's International Convention Centre, left guests and club staff gobsmacked with a joke about the controversial Nigerian, who was not present - citing a heavy cold.

While compering the awards – held to celebrate Albion's best season in more than 30 years – Chiles joked about Odemwingie's derogatory tweets about the club and its fans.

The 46-year-old Baggies fan said: "Our fourth award of the evening is for 'tweet of the year'. Oh, no, sorry it's 't*** of the year' and the winner is Peter Odemwingie."

The Nigerian's West Bromwich Albion career hit a new low as photos of the striker were booed at the club's end-of-season award's dinner.

Pictures of the player, which appeared in a montage of highlights from the season, were roundly jeered by the crowd.

More than 800 fans, sponsors and guests attended last night's dinner, which also included a performance from former X-Factor runner-up and Eurovision contestant Andy Abraham.

And most seemed surprised by Chiles' comment, which also shocked event organisers.

Albion sources made it clear afterwards that the gag had not been planned beforehand.

Odemwingie was the only first-team player who did not attend last night's ceremony after agreeing with the club he should stay away to avoid potential clashes with disgruntled fans. The

Nigerian became an instant hero with Baggies fans after scoring 12 goals in his first season following his move from Lokomotiv Moscow in summer of 2010.

Further success followed and Odemwingie scored his first hat-trick for the club in the famous 5-1 derby win over Wolverhampton Wanderers. But he has become an increasingly controversial figure at the Hawthorns.