Guilty or not, it’s very unlikely that the ongoing investigation rushed through Jay Rodriguez’s head before shooting on Monday night.
Rodriguez rushed a shot at goal during West Brom’s 3-0 defeat to Chelsea, having replaced the injured Daniel Sturridge early on in the game.
Rodriguez has been charged by the FA for alleged racial abuse towards Brighton’s Gaetan Bong during the sides’ Premier League meeting last month.
Rodriguez vehemently denies the claims and he has been backed by manager Alan Pardew while due process takes place.
Absolutely gutted and in disbelief at the situation I find myself in. I 100% deny the false allegation and will take the correct legal advice to prove my innocence.
— Jay Rodriguez (@JayRodriguez9) February 8, 2018
The forward has continued to be named in Baggies squads and has scored three goals in his last five games, which would suggest that he is able to distance his performances from the situation he is dealing with off the pitch.
And it was clear that Pardew did not appreciate the line of questioning he faced after watching his side fall to a crushing defeat at Stamford Bridge on Monday night.
Reporter: “It seemed like an odd decision to take it [the chance] so early. Do you think that’s got anything to do with what’s going on for him off the field, without going in to many details particularly?”
Pardew: “I think that’s a really… not a very nice question at all if I’m honest. I don’t think it’s got anything to do with it if I’m honest. It’s just confidence to take an extra touch and take it nearer the goal. But I don’t think it’s anything to do with that at all and I don’t know where you’re getting that judgement from. I’m sorry.”
Reporter: “I just wondered if the decision-making is affected at all by having a lot going on off the pitch. I don’t mean anything untoward about it.”
Pardew: “I don’t think so. He probably thought the goalie might not have been set and to take it early was the best option. But in hindsight, he should take a touch in there and bury it. But I can’t imagine it’s anything to do with that, I’m sorry.”
Viewers universally condemned the question, with Pardew earning plenty of admiration for the way that he dealt with it and remained focused on letting the investigation take place.
Ridiculous question there to Pardew about Rodriguez, reporters are fucking morons sometimes #wba
— Jonesinho (@MrShot7) February 12, 2018
That question just asked about Jay Rodriguez is the most ridiculous question ever asked. Pardew handled it well.
— Alan Cawley (@alancaw) February 12, 2018
That interviewer who asked Pardew that question about Rodriguez is a fucking moron. #MNF
— Empire (@Empire1872) February 12, 2018
Football managers get asked some stupid questions by these telly lads. Asking Pardew if the accusations that Rodriguez is facing made him shoot too early.
— ǝʌǝʇS ǝɥ⊥ (@TheMightySteve) February 12, 2018
Lot of respect for Patrick Davison after Klopp saga but the question he's just asked Pardew about Rodriguez is ridiculous.
— Ryan Taylor (@RyanTaylorSport) February 12, 2018
@skysports_PatD Well done Alan Pardew once again the most ridiculous question about Jay Rodriguez.
— geoff berry (@gjmberry) February 12, 2018
Idiotic question from Patrick Davison to Pardew regarding Jay Rodriguez #MNF
— Collie Watts (@collie_watts3) February 12, 2018
Patrick Davison question about Jay Rodriguez was a nasty one, agree with Pardew there. Totally irrelevant and pushed it too far there #CHEWBA
— Steve Wyss (@meatmansoccer) February 12, 2018
https://twitter.com/Goalazzzo247/status/963176879523090432
Awful questions in the Sky interview with Pardew, a player doesn't miss a chance because of off the field problems. He badly tried to get Rodriguez issue into the interview, went about it badly.
— Reevsie (@Reevsie247) February 12, 2018
Absolutely disgraceful line of questioning from the sky sports guy there. Asking Pardew if Rodriguez missed that chance because he is accused of racism. Where do they find these clowns!!!
— Craig Mellon (@dodge_1985) February 12, 2018
#CHEWBA #mnf so Rodriguez missed due to the fa charge. cant really comprehend that question to Pardew. he held his calm very well. to call it tabloid journalism would be doing the tabloids a massive disservice.
— BM (@texter80) February 12, 2018
