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FA condemn Burnley fans who booed Gaetan Bong after Jay Rodriguez allegations

The FA have labelled the booing of Brighton defender Gaetan Bong by Burnley fans as 'unacceptable'.

Published
Gaetan Bong in action against Burnley.

Burnley supporters jeered the full-back on Saturday because he accused Albion striker Jay Rodriguez of racial abuse.

After the striker was charged, the allegation was found 'not proven' by an independent panel.

Rodriguez was born in Burnley and came through the youth ranks at Turf Moor, where Bong was booed at the weekend.

But the FA condemned the actions of the Burnley fans in a statement released today that said: "The FA considers the behaviour of some supporters on Saturday towards Gaetan Bong to be unacceptable.

"It needs repeating, following the recent disciplinary matter, that there was no suggestion by any party involved in that case that the player made a malicious or fabricated complaint.

"The FA was wholly satisfied that the complaint was 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."

Anti-racism campaigners Kick It Out have also expressed concerns about the latest development in this saga.

“Kick It Out is concerned at reports that Gaetan Bong was booed on Saturday for raising an alleged incident of racism with The Football Association," said the organisation.

"Kick It Out believes all allegations of discrimination must follow a fair and transparent process for all parties involved and the organisation accepts the ‘not proven’ ruling made by The FA, due to insufficient evidence.

“However, it it is important to acknowledge that an allegation found ‘not proven’ does not mean that the complainant has lied or acted in bad faith.

“Kick It Out fully supports the decision by Gaetan Bong to report the alleged incident and encourages any player who believes they have been the target of discriminatory abuse to do the same.”

Rodriguez is Albion's top scorer this season with 11 goals and has been linked with a summer move back to Turf Moor.