West Bromwich Albion forward Jay Rodriguez has been charged by the Football Association for an alleged racial slur towards Brighton defender, Gaetan Bong.
The alleged incident took occurred during West Brom’s 2-0 win against Brighton at The Hawthorns on 13th January, with Bong tweeting directly after the game that:
“Some words should not be said on a football field and specially not by players Rodriguez words are unforgivable for the man I am!!”
Gaetan Bong, January 2018 (via Twitter)
Rodriguez pinched his nose after him and Bong had clashed off the ball, before Bong reacted in an incensed manner, clearly claiming something untoward had been said.
Embed from Getty ImagesWest Brom have stated that they will be fully supporting Rodriguez after the FA’s charge was confirmed, with Rodriguez also tweeting out his ‘disbelief’ at the predicament he now finds himself in.
“Absolutely gutted and in disbelief at the situation I find myself in. I 100% deny the false allegation and will take the correct legal advice to prove my innocence.”
Jay Rodriguez, February 2018 (via Twitter)
An FA statement stated it was alleged Rodriguez “used abusive and/or insulting words which included a reference to ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race”.
Alan Pardew, West Brom manager, said at the time: “I know Jay well, and I’ll be surprised if it is anything.”
In a statement released on Thursday by the club, Richard Garlick,Albion’s director of football administration, said: “As a club we remain fully supportive and committed to backing Jay throughout this process.”
Rodriguez has until 16 February to respond to the FA charge.
