Simon Silwood, 49, is accused of sending an offensive message to Sawyers via social media in January of this year following West Brom's 5-0 defeat to Manchester City. On Thursday, Dudley Magistrates' Court was told Silwood is alleged to have committed the offence on January 26 by sending "a message that was grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene and menacing character". Silwood spoke only to confirm his personal details and enter a not guilty plea during a short hearing on Thursday. West Midlands Police charged Silwood earlier this month after an investigation carried out by PC Stuart Ward, who is the UK's first dedicated hate crime officer within a football unit. Silwood, from Kingswinford, West Midlands, was granted unconditional bail until his trial at Walsall Magistrates' Court on September 9.

Source: Sky sports April 29, 2021 13:30 UTC