Jay Rodriguez opens up on "horrendous" racial abuse charge

West Bromwich Albion striker Jay Rodriguez has admitted that a 'massive weight has been lifted off his shoulders' after the Football Association cleared him of racially abusing Gaetan Bong.

The charge, dating back to a match between the Baggies and Brighton & Hove Albion in January, was found not proven on the balance of probabilities by an Independent Regulatory Commission earlier this week.

Rodriguez intends to fully clear his name following a tough few months off the field, but he is happy that the charge itself has now been dealt with.

Speaking after netting the winning goal in Albion's 1-0 triumph against Manchester United, the Englishman told Sky Sports News: "I am a great believer in the truth will always comes out. It is a massive weight of my shoulders and anything affects my family hurts me deep."

Rodriguez has scored three goals in his past four Premier League appearances - as many as he managed in his previous 26 combined.