What did Jay Rodriguez say to Gaetan Bong? West Brom striker investigated by FA after Brighton defender says he racially abused him
Baggies ace was seen making hand gestures to Bong, but the once-capped England international has denied he was racist
WEST BROM striker Jay Rodriguez is being investigated by the FA after claims he aimed racist comments towards opponent Gaetan Bong.
During the Premier League clash at the weekend, that the Baggies won 2-0, the two players were involved in a furious flare-up.
Cameras caught Rodriguez holding his nose, with Bong looking shocked and astounded at whatever was being said.
Here's what we know of the ugly incident.
What is Gaetan Bong accusing Jay Rodriguez of?
Bong is accusing Rodriguez of saying he "stinks because he is black".
Bong told French TV station SFR Sport: “He did that because of the colour of my skin.
“Everybody could see this gesture and I asked him to repeat what he said. At this moment, I think he realised what he said and he tried to limit the damage."
Left-back Bong reported Rodriguez to ref Martin Atkinson during Brighton’s 2-0 defeat at The Hawthorns on Saturday.
What does Jay Rodriguez claim he said?
The striker, capped once by England, denies he said anything racist.
He claims the words he said were nothing more than “your breath stinks”.
Bong, though, is adamant the FA should throw the book at the Baggies frontman.
Has anyone defended Jay Rodriguez?
Winger James McClean insisted his team-mate Rodriguez is no racist.
He said: “When a person holds their nose and waves their hand over their mouth that always indicated your breath stinks, for as long as I’ve known anyway.
“To suggest otherwise and put a man’s reputation at risk is poor, given the man is one of the nicest blokes you could meet.”
What happens next?
In a statement, the FA said: “Referee Martin Atkinson was made aware of an allegation and has subsequently reported this to the FA, which will now begin making enquiries.”
Rodriguez faces a lengthy suspension and a fine if found guilty.
Luis Suarez received an eight-match ban and a £40,000 fine in 2011 when he was at Liverpool for racially abusing Manchester United’s Patrice Evra.
In 2012, John Terry got a four-match ban and £220,000 fine for racially abusing QPR’s Anton Ferdinand in a game for Chelsea.