The Football Association is poised to launch an investigation on Monday into the confrontation between West Brom striker Jay Rodriguez and Gaëtan Bong, the Brighton defender.

Bong reported Rodriguez to referee Martin Atkinson during and after the game for an alleged remark in the second-half. Rodriguez clashed with the Cameroon international in the penalty area and then appeared to pinch his nose after the pair exchanged angry words.

Bong wrote on Twitter late on Saturday night: “Some words should not be said on a football field and especially not by players - Rodriguez words are unforgivable for the man I am!!”

Sources close to Rodriguez have dismissed any suggestion that a racist comment was made and insist he vehemently denies any allegations.

West Brom officials spoke to Rodriguez after the game and will wait for the FA’s next move but have promised to conduct a process in which club and player will co-operate fully.

Chris Hughton, the Brighton manager, said: “It was reported to the referee straightaway from Bong. I wasn't sure at the time but the referee came over to the fourth official and wrote down what the allegations were.

“I have seen the referee afterwards, as has Gaëtan Bong, and that is the correct procedure and it will go through to the FA to deal with. There is an allegation that has been made and it has been through the correct protocol.”

West Brom are hopeful the incident will be considered as a misunderstanding, with the storm taking some of the gloss away from their first victory in 21 Premier League games.

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Jonny Evans set Alan Pardew on his way towards the first win since his November appointment with a fourth-minute header before Craig Dawson scored from a second set-piece early in the second half.

Evans was taken off in the 84th minute to a standing ovation in what may have been his last appearance for the club. Arsenal and Manchester City are expected to move for the £20m-rated defender this week.

With Pardew admitting Albion need to raise funds to bring in players, the future of Evans in January promises to have a huge bearing on their season.

West Brom's Jay Rodriguez is going to be investigated by the FA after Brighton's Gaetan Bong reported an alleged remark made to him by the forward credit: BBC SPORT

Chris Brunt, the West Brom midfielder, said: “He has been really good for us since he came here and we all want to see him stay because he’s a top player but that’s out of our hands.

“It’s got nothing to do with us, it will be down to the club and the gaffer. If the manager is talking about needing to generate money to bring people in maybe that’s the path he’ll go down, but until we’re told otherwise he’s our player and part of our team. “You can see what he brings to us from the way he played and if he stays that’s great for us.”