The Football Association of England has not found evidence that striker West Brom Jay Rodriguez insulted the defender of Brighton Gaetan Bong on racial grounds.

The Football Association of England withdrew suspicions from West Bromwich striker Jay Rodriguez for offense against defender Brighton Gaetan Bong on racial grounds.

In the middle of January there was a skirmish between Rodriguez and Bong, during which the player of West Bromwich squeezed his nose with his fingers and made a gesture, as if an unpleasant smell emanated from Bong. Bong said after the game that Rodriguez supposedly told him: "You're black and stinks from you".

As a result, the FA started an investigation of the incident, and Rodriguez categorically denied all charges.

During the hearing in support of Rodriguez made Alan Pardew, and a positive characteristic of the attacker gave his former coaches Mauricio Pochettino and Eddie Howe.

After hearing all the arguments of both sides, the Football Association found no evidence that Rodriguez really insulted Bong on racial grounds.

At the same time, the FA expressed confidence that Bong acted out of pure motives and without intentional intent to slander the opponent.