West Bromwich Albion’s Jay Rodriguez faces racial abuse charge from FA

West Bromwich Albion’s Jay Rodriguez has been charged by the English Football Association with allegedly racially abusing. (Source:AP)

West Bromwich Albion forward Jay Rodriguez has been charged by the English Football Association with allegedly racially abusing an opponent during a Premier League game.

The FA said Thursday that Rodriguez is alleged to have “used abusive and/or insulting words which included a reference to ethnic origin and/or color and/or race” toward Brighton defender Gaetan Bong, who is black, in the Jan. 13 game at The Hawthorns.

The Englishman has until Feb. 16 to respond to the charge.

The incident took place during the second half of West Brom’s 2-0 victory over Brighton. Rodriguez pinched his nose and said something to Bong after clashing with the defender, who alerted the match officials moments later.