That did happen, during his Watford days. Also saw it happen to Bobby Barnes of West Ham. I also remember seeing NF skinheads trying to peddle their filth outside the Gallowgate End.
St James wasn't a welcoming place at all to black players, during the 1980's, There's a game on You Tube (a 4-0 win v West Ham in 86), where George Parris was getting monkey noises his way every time he tough the ball. Desperate stuff.