HUGHTON BLASTS ‘SHAMEFUL’ BURNLEY FANS

CHRIS HUGHTON was still describing his shock and anger in a corner of Turf Moor when Gaetan Bong slipped past without comment just yards away. His manager was doing the talking for him. Every time he had touched the ball, Bong had been booed by Burnley fans siding with Jay Rodriguez in their racism row. Burnley boy Rodriguez left his hometown club six years ago and now plays for West Bromwich Albion. During a game between West Brom and Brighton in January, Bong accused Rodriguez of making a racist comment. An FA commission found the case ‘not proven’ but stressed that the 30year-old Cameroon international made the complaint in good faith and there was no suggestion it was ‘malicious’ or ‘fabricated’. Hughton intended to let his counterpart, Sean Dyche, know how he felt about it. ‘When I’m finished I’ll go and see him,’ said the Brighton manager. ‘I’ve known Sean and his staff a long time. I haven’t spoken to Gaetan. He’s a very strong-willed and proper individual. What he will do is move on. But I’m angry and very surprised because he hasn’t had that anywhere else. It was shameful.’ This result meant Burnley are all but guaranteed a place in the Europa League next season, barring a 15-goal swing with Everton in the last two games. Goalkeeper Nick Pope is already looking forward to starting pre-season early to prepare for Europa League qualifiers this summer. ‘I’m not worried about that. Fingers crossed, it happens,’ said Pope.

BURNLEY (4-4-2): Pope 6.5; Lowton 6.5, Long 7, Tarkowski 6.5, Ward 6; Lennon 6 (N’Koudou 72, 6), Cork 6, Westwood 6 (Hendrick 81), Gudmundsson 6.5; Barnes 7, Wood 6 (Vokes 66, 6). Subs not used: Heaton, Taylor, Wells, Bardsley. Booked: None. Manager: Sean Dyche 6. BRIGHTON (4-2-3-1): Ryan 7; Bruno 6.5 (Schelotto 89), DUFFY 7.5, Dunk 6.5, Bong 6.5; Stephens 6, Kayal 6.5; Knockaert 6.5, Gross 6, Izquierdo 7 (March 85); Ulloa 6 (Murray 67, 6). Subs not used: Krul, Goldson, Locadia, Suttner. Booked: Stephens, Murray.

Manager: Chris Hughton 6.5. Referee: Roger East 7.

Attendance: 19,459.