West Brom back Jay Rodriguez over racism accusations from Brighton ace Gaetan Bong as FA launch investigation
Baggies striker clashed with Bong in the second of game at Hawthorns then Rodriguez claims he made a gesture suggesting the Seagulls defender had bad breath
WEST BROM have thrown their full weight behind Jay Rodriguez who is under investigated by the FA following claims he racially abused Brighton full back Gaetan Bong.
The Cameroon international reported Rodriguez to referee Martin Atkinson during his side’s 2-0 defeat at The Hawthorns and the FA has launched a full investigation into the alleged incident.
Bong is believed to be accusing Rodriguez of saying 'You're black and you stink' during a second half altercation following a clash between the pair.
The Baggies striker vehemently denies he used any racist term and the heated exchange was no worse than any other confrontation between warring players.
Rodriguez claims he pinched his own nose, following a clash between the pair, to imply the Brighton defender had bad breath – a common football put-down.
However Bong, though, is adamant the FA should throw the book at the Baggies frontman.
Most read in Football
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."
'RACISM ROW' West Brom striker Jay Rodriguez faces FA probe as Brighton’s Gaetan Bong accuses him of racism
The Seaglls issued a statement yesterday backing Bong and now Albion have released a similar statement in support of Rodriguez.
Albion Director of Football Administration Richard Garlick said: “The club will co-operate fully with the FA throughout this investigation and, as has been indicated from the outset, remains fully supportive of Jay.
“We will not be making any further comment at this stage."
