Jay Rodriguez: West Brom striker charged by FA for alleged racial abuse

The charge relates to an incident during Albion's 2-0 victory over the Seagulls last month.

Brighton defender Gaetan Bong claimed he had been racially abused after a clash with the 28-year-old Baggies striker, who pinched his nose.

However, Rodriguez was insistent he had not used any racist language and claimed he simply told the left-back he had bad breath.

Rodriguez took to Twitter this evening to refute the allegations.

Referee Martin Atkinson included the incident in his match report, which was passed to the FA.

And this evening, the governing body said in a statement: "Jay Rodriguez has been charged following an incident during the West Bromwich Albion versus Brighton and Hove Albion match on 13 January 2018.

"It is alleged he used abusive and/or insulting words which included a reference to ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race.

"Rodriguez has until 16 February 2018 to respond to the charge."

The Baggies said in a statement tonight: "Albion remain fully supportive of Jay Rodriguez after he was charged by the FA following an incident during the club's Premier League victory over Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, January 13."

It is alleged the Baggies striker used abusive and/or insulting words which included a reference to ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race.

Richard Garlick, Albion’s director of football administration, said: “As a club we remain fully supportive and committed to backing Jay throughout this process."

It is believed Bong claimed he was told: "You're black and you stink" although that is vehemently denied by Rodriguez, who gave an initial witness statement to the FA two weeks ago.

If the charge is proven, Rodriguez would face a minimum five-match ban as an aggravated breach of FA rule E3. The rules added that "the regulatory commission may increase this suspension depending on any additional aggravating factors present".