Bong: ‘I know what I heard’
GAETAN BONG has hit out at the FA’s decision to clear Jay Rodriguez of an allegation of racial abuse.
Rodriguez was accused of making a remark to Brighton’s Cameroon defender during West Brom’s 2-0 Premier League victory on January 13.
The FA announced last Friday that an Independent Regulatory Commission had determined that on the balance of probabilities the allegation was not proven against Rodriguez, who criticised Bong for choosing “to publicly condemn” him. But last night Brighton issued a statement on behalf of Bong, expanding on his version of events.
“Mr Rodriguez’s actions during our game against West Bromwich Albion, followed by statements issued by him and on his behalf by his various PR and legal advisors, have resulted in my character being questioned and subsequently for a number of accusations to be directed at me,” the statement read.
“Please let me be clear: I know what I heard and I did not mishear. My conscience in raising the complaint is therefore entirely clear.
“This was my first such experience in more than three years in this country and I would never seek to bring a false charge against a fellow professional.
“Those who have accused me of doing that do not know me. Equally, those who have expressed an opinion were not on the pitch at the time and only Mr Rodriguez and I know exactly what was said. I stand by my original complaint.
“I now wish to continue with my career, and won’t be commenting further on this matter even if Mr Rodriguez chooses to issue any further statements.”