Share

West Brom to pick Rodriguez despite alleged racist abuse

accreditation
Jay Rodriguez (AP)
Jay Rodriguez (AP)

London - West Brom boss Alan Pardew said he would continue to pick Jay Rodriguez after the striker was charged by the Football Association (FA) over an incident in which he allegedly used racist language.

Rodriguez, 28, was charged by the FA on Thursday with using "abusive and/or insulting words which included a reference to ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race" but said he would fight to clear his name.

Footage from the Premier League match between West Brom and Brighton on January 13 shows Rodriguez and Brighton's Gaetan Bong arguing and bumping into each other, before Rodriguez holds his nose and waves his hand as if to indicate that Bong smells.

It is not clear what was said but Bong immediately complained to match official Martin Atkinson and the referee included the complaint in his report.

Pardew said on Friday that the club were standing by the England international, admitting the incident could have long-term implications for the player.

"I've got no problem picking him," he said ahead of Monday's trip to Chelsea. "It's a situation which is not ideal for Jay. It's an accusation he denies and as a club we're going to support him.

"Jay is upset about it, he has a good mental capacity to deal with things and hopefully he can concentrate on his football and not worry too much -- although it is a worry," he added. "At the moment he's angry but he's OK."

Rodriguez would face a minimum five-match ban if the case against him is proven.

"It's not just about us losing Jay for five games - it's a bit more serious than that, his future after the game - whether he wants to be a coach or going into business," said Pardew. "It's a serious accusation so he wants to defend it."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Fixtures
Sat 30 Mar 24 14:30 PM (SAST)
Newcastle
Newcastle
West Ham
West Ham
St. James' Park
Sat 30 Mar 24 17:00 PM (SAST)
Sheffield United
Sheffield United
Fulham
Fulham
Bramall Lane
SuperSport
Sat 30 Mar 24 17:00 PM (SAST)
Chelsea
Chelsea
Burnley
Burnley
Stamford Bridge
SuperSport
Results
Sun 17 Mar 24
West Ham
West Ham 1
Aston Villa
Aston Villa 1
Sat 16 Mar 24
Fulham
Fulham 3
Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur 0
Sat 16 Mar 24
Luton Town
Luton Town 1
Forest
Forest 1
Logs
Team
P
W
PTS
Team Logo
1. Arsenal
28
20
64
Team Logo
2. Liverpool
28
19
64
Team Logo
3. Manchester City
28
19
63
Team Logo
4. Aston Villa
29
17
56