Pardew to defend Rodriguez

Jay Rodriguez’s fight against a charge of alleged racist abuse will be heard at Wembley today, with former West Bromwich Albion head coach Alan Pardew set to appear in his defence.

Rodriguez is contesting a Football Association charge after being accused of using racist language in a confrontation with Brighton defender Gaetan Bong in January.

Bong, the Cameroon international, has alleged that Rodriguez said “you’re black and you stink” during the Premier League game, but the West Brom striker strenuously denies the charge. He has insisted he said “your breath stinks” after he was seen pinching his nose.

As revealed by Telegraph Sport, Rodriguez has employed a lip reader and leading QC to assist his defence, while former managers and team-mates are also thought to have provided character references. It has now emerged that Pardew – sacked by West Brom last week after a torrid run of results – will be present at today’s hearing as he was the club’s head coach at the time of the confrontation.

The 2-0 win over Brighton was Pardew’s only victory from the 17 league games he was in charge for. Rodriguez faces a five-match ban if the charge is upheld. Albion are fully supportive of the 28-year-old.

After he was charged, Rodriguez tweeted: “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.”