Friday 9 February 2018 15:30, UK
Alan Pardew has said he has no problem picking Jay Rodriguez despite the West Brom striker being charged by the FA for alleged racial abuse.
The West Brom attacker made a prompt vehement defence of the charge on Twitter where he said he was "absolutely gutted and in disbelief at the situation" and remains available against an out-of-form Chelsea on Monday, live on Sky Sports Premier League.
"I've got no problem picking him, it's obviously not a situation which is ideal for Jay," Pardew said. "It's an accusation that he denies and as a club we are going to support him through that process.
"That is what it is at the moment. It's a process that needs to be seen through and therefore our comments on it can affect it to some degree. The less we say the better."
Pardew admitted Rodriguez, who has scored three goals in his last four games, is "upset" and "angry" about the situation but was hopeful the 28-year-old would be able to focus on his football as the club seek to battle against relegation.
"Jay is obviously upset about it," Pardew added. "He has a good mental capacity to deal with things and hopefully he can concentrate on his football when he is here and not worry too much about the situation - although it is a worry.
"Hopefully he can deal with it. At the moment he is angry but OK."
When asked whether the accusation was in keeping with the character of the forward, Pardew added: "We are in that kind of world at the moment where everybody has to be so careful and even now talking about it I am nervous - everybody is.
"It is not an ideal situation and until such time as the process is seen through for both players can we get to the bottom.
"I spoke to the PFA this moment, I tried to contact Kick It Out this morning but I have had no reply.
"We all need to make sure that for the two players that we understand the seriousness of the situation. It is not just about us losing Jay for five games - it is a little bit more serious than that and his future after the game.
"Whether he wants to be a coach or a manager or he wants to go into business. This is a serious accusation so he wants to defend it and that's all I really want to say on it.
Richard Garlick, West Brom's director of football administration, released a statement on Thursday to say they would "remain fully supportive and committed" to Rodriguez during the process.
Rodriguez has until February 16 to respond to the charge.
