Jay Rodriguez cleared of alleged racial abuse charge

West Brom striker Jay Rodriguez has been cleared of a charge of alleged racial abuse.

The 28-year-old was accused of using “abusive and/or insulting words which included a reference to ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race” towards Brighton’s Gaetan Bong during Albion’s 2-0 win in January.

Rodriguez denied what he described as a “false allegation” and requested a personal hearing.

A statement from the Football Association on Friday afternoon read: “A charge of discriminatory misconduct against West Bromwich Albion’s Jay Rodriguez has been found not proven following an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing.”