(REUTERS) - West Bromwich Albion have handed a life ban to a 50-year-old man convicted of racially abusing midfielder Romaine Sawyers online earlier this year, the English Premier League club said on Thursday (Sept 9).

The 29-year-old Saint Kitts and Nevis international was targeted after West Brom's 5-0 league defeat by Manchester City on Jan 26. His abuser was found guilty under the Communications Act of having posted a "grossly offensive message" following a trial at Walsall Magistrates' Court.