Brighton have defended Gaetan Bong after a charge he was racially abused by West Brom forward Jay Rodriguez was found to be not proven by the Football Association. Rodriguez was accused of making an alleged remark to Cameroon international Bong during the Baggies' 2-0 Premier League victory over the Seagulls on January 13. Gaetan BongThe 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. On Wednesday evening Brighton issued a statement on behalf of Bong that supported their player's version of events. "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."

Source: Evening echo April 18, 2018 16:30 UTC