Race-case Gaetan Bong: I didn’t mishear West Brom striker Jay Rodriguez
Brighton defender Gaetan Bong insists he did not mishear Jay Rodriguez when he claimed the Albion striker racially abused him.
An FA charge Rodriguez was found ‘not proven’ against Rodriguez after the pair clased during Albion’s 2-0 win at The Hawthorns in January.
“I would never seek to bring a false charge against a fellow professional. My conscience in raising the complaint is therefore entirely clear,” Bong said. “Please let me be clear: I know what I heard and I did not mishear.”
He added: “Only Mr Rodriguez and I know exactly what was said.”
The FA announced last Friday that an Independent Regulatory Commission "determined that on the balance of probabilities the allegation was not proven" against Rodriguez, who criticised Bong for choosing "to publicly condemn" him.
This evening Brighton issued a statement on behalf of Bong that supported their player's version of events.
The full statement read: "Mr Rodriguez's actions during our game against West Bromwich Albion, followed by statements issued by him and on his behalf by his various PR and legal advisors, have resulted in my character being questioned and subsequently for a number of accusations to be directed at me.
"Please let me be clear: I know what I heard and I did not mishear. My conscience in raising the complaint is therefore entirely clear.
"This was my first such experience in more than three years in this country and I would never seek to bring a false charge against a fellow professional.
"Those who have accused me of doing that do not know me. Equally those who have expressed an opinion were not there on the pitch at the time and only Mr Rodriguez and I know exactly what was said and I stand by my original complaint.
"I now wish to continue with my career, and won't be commenting further on this matter even if Mr Rodriguez chooses to issue any further statements."
Speaking after the end of the FA probe, Rodriguez said: “It’s been horrendous for me and my family. “I’m a great believer that the truth always comes out.
“It was a massive weight off my shoulders and my family.
“For me anything that affects my family hurts me so deep. Something as serious as this, it’s not nice.”
