Albion defender Gaetan Bong's racism row with West Brom striker Jay Rodriguez has taken another twist.

The club have issued a strongly worded statement on Bong's behalf, hitting back at Rodriguez and his advisors for questioning the former Cameroon international's character.

An independent FA commission last Friday found a charge against Rodriguez unproven.

Bong accused him of saying "You're black and you stink" during a clash in the Premier League match between the teams at the Hawthorns in January.

Rodriguez, who covered his mouth with his hand, denied the charge, claiming he used the words "breath f...ing stinks".

Rodriguez and his camp went on a PR offensive after he scored West Brom's winner against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Rodriguez told BBC WM: "I am always a great believer that the truth always comes out and it has."

He also issued a statement on his official Twitter account in which he claimed he had been "exonerated" and "cleared" and repeated that "Gaetan misheard our exchange during the game."

Bong said in the statement released by Albion: "Mr Rodriguez's actions during our game against West Bromwich Albion, followed by statements issued by him and on his behalf by his various PR and legal advisors, have resulted in my character being questioned and subsequently for a number of accusations to be directed at me."

He added: "My conscience in raising the complaint is entirely clear.

"This was my first such experience in more than three years in this country and I would never seek to bring a false charge against a fellow professional.

"Those who have accused me of doing that do not know me. Equally those who have expressed an opinion were not there on the pitch at the time and only Mr Rodriguez and I know exactly what was said.

"I now wish to continue with my career and won't be commenting further on this matter even if Mr Rodriguez chooses to issue any further statements."

The club added: "Brighton and Hove Albion fully support Gaetan in the issuing of this statement. The club will not be making any further comment on this matter."