Jay Rodriguez reveals family struggles after being accused of racially abusing Brighton defender Gaetan Bong
West Brom striker was cleared of all charges by the FA after they found the claims to be 'unproven'
JAY RODRIGUEZ has revealed the torment he and his family have been through after he was accused of racially abusing a fellow footballer.
The West Brom forward was cleared of all charges following an incident with Brighton defender Gaetan Bong during a Premier League game in January.
The FA announced on Friday that the Independent Regulatory Commission had "determined that on the balance of probabilities the allegation was not proven" against Rodriguez.
Tonight the 28-year-old posted an emotional statement on Twitter where he described it as a "difficult and strained period for me and my family".
He wrote: "This allegation brought a serious and damaging slur on my character.
"It has been equally difficult to remain silent throughout the FA process but I do wish to express firstly my relief that I have been exonerated and secondly my support for the fight against racism in whatever form it is expressed.
";I have maintained my innocence from the moment Gaetan Bong made the allegation.
"I bear him no ill will but I was disappointed that he chose to publicly condemn me on the platforms of open media before the evidence had been presented to an independent tribunal."
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Rodriguez has been playing with a cloud over his head for four months after being accused of using making an alleged comment to the Brighton defender when the sides met in January.
Speaking after his match-winning performance against Manchester United at the weekend, he spoke of how he wanted to move on and that "the truth always comes out".
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The forward told BBC West Midlands: "I am always a great believer that the truth always comes out and it has.
"Now we can move on and I can just carry on working hard for the team."
Rodriguez certainly did that on Sunday, capping a fine display with the goal that secured rock-bottom West Brom a shock 1-0 win at Manchester United - and mad Manchester City Premier League champions.
Of his match-winning performance, he said: "It's amazing.
"You always dream as a young lad to come here and score and to get the winner against a great side at a great stadium was really good.
"At the end we were knackered. We worked our socks off and created a lot of chances and we definitely deserved the win.
"I have never not believed. We need to believe still - especially coming here and showing that - we can go and beat anyone. We need to keep that between us and keep working."
After being cleared of racially abusing Bong, an FA statement read: "A charge of discriminatory misconduct against West Bromwich Albion’s Rodriguez has been found not proven following an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing.
"It was alleged that during the game against Brighton & Hove Albion on 13 January 2018, the player used abusive and/or insulting words which included a reference to ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race.
"Rodriguez denied the charge and requested a personal hearing which took place at Wembley Stadium [Wednesday 11 April 2018].
"Having considered all the evidence, the Independent Regulatory Commission determined that on the balance of probabilities the allegation was not proven."
It added: "The FA wishes to stress that there has been no suggestion by any party involved in this case that this was a malicious or fabricated complaint. The FA is completely satisfied that this was a complaint made in absolute good faith.
"The FA takes all allegations of discrimination extremely seriously and continues to encourage all participants who believe that they have been the subject of or witness to discriminatory abuse to report this through the appropriate channels.
"The FA would like to express its full thanks to all parties for their full cooperation during the disciplinary process."
He was facing a five-match ban if found guilty, but he is now free to play the remainder of the season.