Brighton boss slams '˜shameful' Burnley fans

Match report: Burnley 0, Brighton and Hove Albion 0

Dyche - fantastic achievement if we get into EuropeLast week, the Football Association announced that an Independent Regulatory Commission “determined that on the balance of probabilities, an allegation that former Claret Jay Rodriguez had racially abused Bong was not proven”.

Bong stands by his claim that Burnley-born Rodriguez racially abused him during Brighton’s 2-0 defeat at West Bromwich Albion in January, but Clarets fans made their feelings known, booing the Cameroon international’s every touch.

That angered Hughton, who said: “I would have to say that I thought the reaction of the Burnley supporters towards Gaetan every time he got the ball was shameful.

”I really do.

”What they should do, the Burnley supporters, they should look at the two statements that came out afterwards – one from the independent committee and one from the FA.

”But I thought the reaction to Gaetan Bong was shameful.

”As regards his performance, it's nothing short of what I expect of Gaetan. He's an excellent, excellent professional and a top-class individual.

”In a game like today, which was a very tough game, I thought he put in a performance as he has done all season – a lot of discipline and knowing he's going to have to defend very well.

“He's an incredibly discplined and straight individual – as honest a person as you will meet. It's something that happened, it's not nice at all and of course he's big enough and strong enough to cope with it. As showed by his performance.

“I was incredibly surprised, I must admit. I certainly didn't expect it here.”