Man charged with sending West Brom midfielder Romaine Sawyers racist abuse on social media
A Black Country man has been accused of sending a footballer an offensive message over social media.
Simon Silwood from Kingswinford has been charged under the Communications Act of sending an offensive message to West Bromwich Albion player Romaine Sawyers in January.
The 49-year-old will appear before Dudley Magistrates Court on April 29.
The investigation was carried out by PC Stuart Ward, who is the UK’s first dedicated hate crime officer within a football unit.
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: "We’ve charged a man after West Bromwich Albion player Romaine Sawyers was racially abused online.
"Simon Silwood is accused of sending an offensive message to the footballer via social media in January of this year.
"The 49-year-old from Kingswinford has been charged under the Communications Act to appear before Dudley Magistrates Court on 29 April.
"The investigation has been carried out by PC Stuart Ward who is the UK’s first dedicated hate crime officer within a football unit.
"He is at the forefront of our unit’s ongoing work to stamp out any abuse against footballers and fans."
