Rodriguez fury after race charge
JAY RODRIGUEZ faces a five-game ban after being charged by the FA with racially abusing Gaetan Bong. The West Brom striker is alleged to have told Bong ‘you’re black and you stink’ during a clash with the Brighton defender on January 13. Rodriguez denies any wrongdoing, insisting he made no mention of skin colour during the exchange, and plans to request a personal hearing. Rodriguez wrote on Twitter last night: ‘Gutted and in disbelief at the situation I find myself in. I 100 per cent deny the false allegation and will take correct legal advice to prove my innocence.’ His agent, Gary Mellor, said last night: ‘I’m extremely disappointed and shocked with the charge and we will be fighting it.’ The 28-year-old has until next Friday to respond and if he challenges the charge as expected, the FA will set up an independent hearing. Based on FA rules, players guilty of racism get a minimum five-game ban, but the panel can increase the suspension. Richard Garlick, West Brom’s director of football administration, said: ‘We remain fully supportive and committed to
backing Jay.’