ANOTHER DAY MORE RACISM SHAME PREMIER LEAGUE
Rodriguez fuming as he’s accused by Brighton’s Bong Spartak disgrace after ‘melting chocolate’ tweet HOW WE’VE LED THE WAY
JAY RODRIGUEZ last night became the latest player to be embroiled in a race storm as a sorry week for English football came to an end. West Brom’s striker was at the centre of allegations that he had abused Brighton’s Gaetan Bong during the Baggies’ 2-0 victory at The Hawthorns. The Seagulls defender informed referee Martin Atkinson of his anger at Rodriguez’s actions after the final whistle. And the FA will now launch an investigation into the incident after what has been a tumultuous few days for race relations in the sport. It comes after allegations of bullying and racism by Newcastle Under-23 coach Peter Beardsley and former Chelsea coaches Graham Rix and Gwyn Williams. With the FA also investigating another row involving Everton’s Mason Holgate and Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino, following last week’s Merseyside derby, the latest incident has cast the game in an even poorer light. Craig Dawson had just headed West Brom’s second goal when the pair clashed near the touchline. Television pictures show Rodriguez recoiling and holding his nose. Brighton boss Chris Hughton confirmed that something had been said between the pair. Bong was unhappy – communicated the allegation both to his manager and the match official. Sources close to Rodriguez said last night that the player was “indignant with rage” that he had been accused of racism.
Hughton said: “There was something said to Gaetan Bong by Jay Rodriguez, which has been reported to the referee. There was an incident.
“We’ll go through the right channels. The referee is aware of it. There was an allegation. I’ve spoken to the referee and it will go in his report to the Football Association.”
West Brom boss Alan Pardew said: “All I can say is that, knowing Jay Rodriguez, I find it very difficult to understand that there is any allegation.
“I’ve asked Jay and he claims that the allegation, whatever it is, is untrue. I have no idea of the nature of the allegation.”
The FA said last night they were waiting for Atkinson’s report on the game and could not comment until they had received it.
Almost 4,500 miles away, a racist incident erupted that not only shamed Russian champions Spartak Moscow, but highlighted the issues many fear will come to a head at next summer’s World Cup finals.
Spartak stand accused of racially abusing their own players. In a move that will stun world football, Spartak released an official tweet from their warm-weather training camp in the United Arab Emirates.
They tweeted a video of black Spartak players Luiz Adriano, Pedro Rocha and Fernando with the caption, “See how the chocolate melts in the sun”, followed by chocolate bar, sunshine and smiley face emojis. Spartak are Russia’s most successful club and their stadium will be a venue for matches at this summer’s finals. Piara Power, of Football Against Racism in Europe, said: “Racism is one of the biggest issues Russia faces in the year they host the World Cup. References, like this, show how minorities are seen by some in the country.
“For Russia’s biggest club to tolerate, and then celebrate, racist references of this kind is wrong.”
Liverpool youngster Rhian Brewster accused Spartak defender Leonid Mironov of racially abusing him during a UEFA Youth League match last December.
Liverpool made a formal complaint to UEFA.