Absolutely gutted and in disbelief - Rodriguez vows to fight FA charge

Jay Rodriguez is "absolutely gutted and in disbelief" after being charged by the Football Association (FA) over a clash with Brighton and Hove Albion defender Gaetan Bong.

On Thursday, the FA charged Rodriguez with using "abusive and/or insulting words which included a reference to ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race".

Cameroon international Bong made a complaint against Rodriguez after the forward appeared to squeeze his nose and waft a hand at the defender during Albion's 2-0 Premier League win on January 13.

But Rodriguez - who has until February 16 to formally respond to the FA charge - signalled he will fight to clear his name.

"Absolutely gutted and in disbelief at the situation I find myself in," Rodriguez wrote on Twitter.

"I 100 per cent deny the false allegation and will take the correct legal advice to prove my innocence."

In a statement released following the FA charge, director of football administration Richard Garlick confirmed West Brom will stand by Rodriguez.

"As a club we remain fully supportive and committed to backing Jay throughout this process," Garlick said.