FA launch investigation into Gaetan Bong's racial allegation against West Brom forward Jay Rodriguez

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The Football Association is to investigate a remark allegedly made by West Brom forward Jay Rodriguez to Brighton defender Gaetan Bong during Saturday's game at The Hawthorns, the governing body has announced.

Bong alerted the officials midway through the Baggies' 2-0 win shortly after clashing with Rodriguez, and Seagulls boss Chris Hughton confirmed afterwards that a complaint had been made to referee Martin Atkinson.

The FA said in a statement: 'The FA can confirm that referee Martin Atkinson was made aware of an allegation during the West Bromwich Albion versus Brighton & Hove Albion game at The Hawthorns yesterday and has subsequently reported this to The FA, which will now begin making enquiries into the matter.'

The FA have launched an investigation into a racial allegation against Jay Rodriguez

The nature of the comment allegedly made by Rodriguez to Bong has not been disclosed, but it clearly incensed the Brighton player.

Bong wrote on his official Twitter feed: 'Some words should not be said on a football field and especially not by players. Rodriguez's words are unforgivable for the man I am!!'

The FA gave no time-scale for the investigation, which a spokesman confirmed the governing body had launched upon receipt of referee Martin Atkinson's report.

Neither manager would comment on the nature of Rodriguez's alleged comment after the match on Saturday.

Allegations of racism were made against Rodriguez during West Brom ’s win over Brighton

The forward allegedly held his nose when spoken to up close by Brighton's Gaetan Bong

The Brighton defender reported the allegation to Martin Atkinson and it was filed in his report

Brighton boss Chris Hughton said: 'Gaetan Bong has reported Jay Rodriguez for something that has been said to him. It's been handled in the correct manner by the referee.

'I am aware of the allegations. All I can say is it was dealt with in the correct manner and the nature of the allegations the FA will deal with.'

According to Baggies boss Alan Pardew, Rodriguez denies the claims made against him.

Pardew said on Saturday: 'I can only say on my behalf, because I haven't seen the incident, knowing Jay Rodriguez I find it very difficult to understand if I'm honest.

'Jay Rodriguez claims that the allegation, whatever the allegation is, is untrue.'

West Brom boss Alan Pardew said after the match that Rodriguez has denied the allegations