THE FA have been unable to prove Albion defender Gaetan Bong's racism claim against West Brom striker Jay Rodriguez.

But they are "completely satisfied" his complaint was made in good faith.

The FA finally reached a verdict today on the case arising from an incident in Albion's Premier League match at West Brom in January.

Rodriguez was charged with using "abusive and/or insulting words which included a reference to ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race".

He requested a personal hearing, which took place at Wembley on Wednesday.

The FA said in a statement: "Having considered all the evidence, the Independent Regulatory Commission determined that on the balance of probabilities the allegation was not proven.

"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."