Rodriguez in hot water over remark
West Brom 2 Brighton 0
Jose Salomon Rondon of West Bromwich Albion reacts Photo: Getty
West Brom forward Jay Rodriguez has been reported to the English Football Association (FA) for a remark allegedly made to Brighton defender Gaetan Bong during his side's victory yesterday.
Neither manager would comment on the nature of Rodriguez's alleged comment but it has been reported to the referee and he will be obliged to include in it his report, meaning the matter will be looked into by the FA. The incident is thought to have taken place during the second half of West Brom's victory.
Craig Dawson of West Bromwich Albion scores his sides second goal Photo: Getty
Brighton boss Chris Hughton said: "Gaetan Bong has reported Jay Rodriguez for something that has been said to him. It's been handled in the correct manner by the referee. The referee is aware of what the allegations are and that will go through to the FA. I am aware of the allegations. All I can say is it was dealt with in the correct manner and the nature of the allegations the FA will deal with."
Rodriguez denies the claims against him, according to West Brom boss Alan Pardew. "There's been an allegation made by the Brighton full-back to the referee and that allegation will go to the FA," he said. "I can only say on my behalf, because I haven't seen the incident, knowing Jay Rodriguez I find it very difficult to understand if I'm honest. Jay Rodriguez claims that the allegation, whatever the allegation is, is untrue."
The incident will overshadow what was a landmark win for West Brom, whose long wait for a Premier League victory finally came to an end.
Jonny Evans' fourth-minute header set them on their way to halting a 20-game run stretching back to August, with fellow defender Craig Dawson heading in a second goal at the start of the second half.
Craig Dawson of West Bromwich Albion scores his sides second goal Photo: Getty
The result will also have been a weight off Pardew's shoulders as it gave him that elusive first league success since he took over as manager nine matches ago at the start of December. "It is a relief but we've had some really good performances here without getting the three points. I thought the team played extremely well, considering the pressure we were under," said Pardew.
Brighton's woeful away form continues to see them slide down the table and Hughton's team are now just three points clear of the bottom three, after a sixth successive goalless game on the road.
