West Bromwich Albion striker Jay Rodriguez has pledged to prove his innocence after being hit with a Football Association charge for alleged racial abuse.
The charge relates to an incident during the Baggies' 2-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion last month between Rodriguez and Seagulls defender Gaetan Bong.
An FA statement said it was alleged that the West Brom player "used abusive and/or insulting words which included a reference to ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race".
Rodriguez wrote on his Twitter account on Thursday evening: "Absolutely gutted and in disbelief at the situation I find myself in. I 100% deny the false allegation and will take the correct legal advice to prove my innocence."
West Brom say that they will "fully support" the England international, who has until February 16 to respond to the FA.
Written by
Giuseppe Labellarte
Giuseppe Labellarte
