Jay Rodriguez has vowed to clear his name after he was charged by the Football Association with racially abusing Brighton’s Gaëtan Bong.

The West Bromwich Albion striker said that he was “absolutely gutted” and in a state of disbelief following the FA’s announcement that he has been given until 16 February to respond to a charge that carries a minimum five‑game ban if he is found guilty.

The alleged incident took place on 13 January during West Brom’s game against Brighton at the Hawthorns when Bong made a complaint to Martin Atkinson, the referee, about Rodriguez. In a statement, the FA said: “It is alleged he used abusive and/or insulting words which included a reference to ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race.”

Rodriguez has since been interviewed by the FA as part of its investigation, along with a number of the West Brom and Brighton players, but he never expected the case to go any further. “Absolutely gutted and in disbelief at the situation I find myself in,” the 28-year-old posted on his Twitter account in the wake of the FA charge. “I 100% deny the false allegation and will take the correct legal advice to prove my innocence.”

It is understood that West Brom are also aghast at the latest development. “As a club we remain fully supportive and committed to backing Jay throughout this process,” said Richard Garlick, West Brom’s director of football, in a statement.

Gary Mellor, Rodriguez’s agent, said: “I’m stunned. It’s a serious charge to be made without corroborating evidence. Jay’s upset that someone can make such serious allegations against his character.”

Bong, a Cameroon defender who joined Brighton in 2015, posted a since-deleted comment on his Twitter feed after the West Brom game, saying: “Some words should not be said on a football field and specially not by players Rodriguez words are unforgivable for the man I am!!”

Although Rodriguez has said that he will contest the charge and there is a process in place, it is unclear how soon a date for the hearing will be set. A three-person independent commission, made up of football and legal experts, will hear evidence from both sides before reaching a verdict.