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Man arrested on suspicion of racially abusing West Brom's Sawyers

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 to Manchester City.

West Brom said on Friday 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.

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"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.

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