PARDS BACKS JAY

ALAN PARDEW will testify in Jay Rodriguez’s defence as the West Brom striker fights a racism charge.

Pardew (right) was sacked as Baggies boss on Easter Monday after just one win in 18 Premier League games. January’s win over Brighton was marred by claims of racist abuse towards Seagulls defender Gaetan Bong by Rodriguez, who was charged by the FA with using ‘abusive and/or insulting words which included a reference to ethnic origin, colour or race’. Rodriguez denies the allegations and Pardew will support his appeal this week.