Jay Rodriguez has denied making racist comments to Gaetan Bong, with his agent describing the allegation as “disgusting”.
Rodriguez was charged by the FA on Thursday after he allegedly “used abusive and/or insulting words which included a reference to ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race”.
The charge relates to an incident involving Brighton defender Bong during their match on January 13.
Rodriguez tweeted: “Absolutely gutted and in disbelief at the situation I find myself in. I 100 per cent deny the false allegation and will take the correct legal advice to prove my innocence.”
Gary Mellor, Rodriguez’s agent, added: “These allegations are totally untrue, there’s no supporting evidence, and it’s severely damaging to someone of impeccable character.
“Someone needs to seriously look at these types of charges and allegations that can be levelled at a professional footballer, on the basis of one person’s word.
“This has devastated Jay and his family. Serious and disgusting allegations of this sort can taint someone’s life forever, even if he is later cleared of the charges. They will remain on internet searches forever.
“We are determined to fight the allegations; we will challenge the FA over the charge at the independent tribunal, and Jay is taking legal advice to ensure his name is cleared.
“In the meantime, he is determined to play against Chelsea on Monday, because he will not allow false allegations of this sort to disrupt his fight to keep West Brom in Premier League.”
Rodriguez has until February 16 to respond to the charge.
