Jay Rodriguez has been charged by the FA for racially abusing Gaeton Bong.
The alleged incident took place during a match between Rodriguez’s team West Bromwich Albion and Brighton and Hove Albion on 13th January 2018.
During the game the two players clashed and Rodriguez was seen holding his nose, possibly hinting that he thought Bong had bad breath.
After the contest, Bong tweeted, “Some words should not be said on a football field and specially not by players. Rodriguez words are unforgivable!!!”
Bong’s manager, Chris Hughton commented, “There was something said to Gaeten Bong by Jay Rodriguez which has been reported to the referee. There was an allegation and something which will then go through the correct channels.”
West Brom’s manager, Alan Pardew, replied, “I know Jay well, and I’ll be surprised if it is anything.”
In a statement the FA said the England international “used abusive and/or insulting words which included a reference to ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race”.
West Brom have vowed to be “fully supportive” and “committed” to their player while Rodriguez himself stated he is “in disbelief” about the charge.
He added, “I 100% deny the false allegation and will take the correct legal advice to prove my innocence.”
Rodriguez has until next Friday to respond to the charge and faces a ban if found guilty.
Former Chelsea defender John Terry was the last player to be banned for a similar incident. In September 2012 the FA found him guilty of racially abusing Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand.
Terry was fined £220,00 and was banned for four games.