After Bong and Rodriguez collided in the second half, the pair touched heads before the Baggies striker was seen grabbing his own nose and waving his hand in front of his face.

The Cameroonian full-back complained to Atkinson and TV replays suggest he used the word 'racist' or 'racism' while making that complaint.

However, neither Albion boss Alan Pardew or Brighton boss Chris Hughton confirmed afterwards whether there was a racist element to the allegation or not.

There was a stoppage in play while the referee spoke to his fourth official before he allowed play to continue.

Pardew said: "There's been an allegation made by the Brighton full-back to the referee and that allegation will go to the FA.

"I only can 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 that there has been an allegation of any kind. So we'll have to wait and see."

When asked if the allegation was one of racism, Pardew said: "I don't know, it's been directed straight to the referee. Jay Rodriguez claims that the allegation is untrue."

Brighton boss Chris Hughton said: "Bong has reported Jay Rodriguez for something that was said to him. It's being handled correctly by the referee.

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"He's aware of the allegation and that will go through to the FA. It was dealt with in the correct manner.

"These are allegations made against Jay Rodriguez. The nature of those will be made clear by the FA.

"It was something said to him and it is being dealt with in the correct manner."

An FA spokesperson confirmed the governing body was now looking into the incident.

A statement posted on Twitter read: "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."