Footballer left numb by ‘racist’ fan who suggested he should win ‘Baboon D’or’

West Bromwich Albion’s Romaine Sawyers (Tim Keeton/PA)

A West Bromwich Albion fan who allegedly racially abused midfielder Romaine Sawyers on social media suggested the player should win the “Baboon d’Or”, a court heard.

Walsall Magistrates’ Court was told Simon Silwood posted the message on a “sarcastic” fan zone Whatsapp group titled “Romaine Sawyers – Ballon d’Or” following his team’s 5-0 defeat to Manchester City at the Hawthorns on January 26.