RODRIGUEZ DISGUSTED BY CLAIMS OF RACISM
JAY RODRIGuEZ has vowed to clear his name after being accused of racist remarks towards Brighton defender Gaetan Bong.
One-time England international Rodriguez has been left upset by the allegation and vehemently denies using any racist remark when the two clashed during Saturday’s game at the Hawthorns.
Gary Mellor, the 28-year- old’s representative said: ‘We are disgusted that Gaetan Bong has taken to utilising social media and French television to spread untrue allegations about Jay.
‘We are trusting the FA’s process and are convinced Jay will be cleared.’
The West Brom striker and Bong clashed in the second half, before Rodriguez held his nose to suggest Bong smelled. After the game, the Cameroonian tweeted: ‘Some words should not be said on a football field and especially not by players. Rodriguez words are unforgivable for the man I am!!’
Bong then appeared on French television to say Rodriguez’s comment was ‘racist in nature’.
‘He (Rodriguez) said things and I’m not going to say that on the television because they are things you shouldn’t say,’ said Bong.
Albion boss Alan Pardew said he had found it ‘very difficult’ to believe that Rodriguez would make a racist comment. ‘Jay Rodriguez claims that the allegation, whatever the allegation is, is untrue,’ Pardew added.
An FA spokesman said: ‘The FA can confirm that referee Martin Atkinson was made aware of an allegation and has reported this to the FA, which will now begin making enquiries into the matter.’
Rodriguez would face a lengthy ban if charged and found guilty of verbal abuse.