Chris Hughton has described the behaviour of Burnley fans who booed Gaetan Bong at Turf Moor as “shameful”.

The Albion left-back was a target for supporters during today’s 0-0 draw.

Bong made a claim of racial abuse by Burnley boy Jay Rodriguez after the Seagulls lost at West Brom in January.

A hearing recorded a verdict of “not proven”. The FA said in a statement there was no suggestion by any party that it was a malicious or fabricated complaint and that it was "completely satisfied" the complaint was made in good faith.

Hughton said he was surprised by the reaction of home fans.

He said: “I thought the reaction of the Burnley supporters to Gaetan every time he got the ball was shameful.

“What they should do is look at the two statements, one from the independent committee, one from the FA.”

“As regards his performance, it’s nothing short of what I expect from Gaetan. He is an excellent professional and a top class individual and in a tough game like today’s I thought he put in a performance as he has done for us all season, a lot of discipline and knowing he was going to have to defend very well.

“He is an incredibly disciplined and strong individual. It’s something that happened, it’s not nice at all, but he is big enough and strong enough to cope with it as he showed with his performance.

“I was incredibly surprised (by the boos), I certainly didn’t expect it.”