Defender Bong accused West Brom's Burnley-born striker Jay Rodriguez of racially abusing him during a match in January, a charge found "not proven".
Burnley fans chanted "Jay Rodriguez, he's one of our own" as well as booing Bong whenever he touched the ball.
"I was incredibly surprised, I must admit. I certainly didn't expect it," said Hughton.
"I thought the reaction of the Burnley supporters towards Gaetan was shameful.
"He's an incredibly disciplined 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."
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43937329