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FA to probe Jay Rodriguez over alleged remark to Gaetan Bong

The Football Association has confirmed that it will investigate West Brom forward Jay Rodriguez after he was reported for a remark allegedly made to Brighton defender Gaetan Bong during Saturday's Premier League match between the clubs.

Neither manager would give details of the nature of Rodriguez's alleged comment, but it was reported to the referee and included in it his report, meaning the matter will be looked into by the FA.

A statement from English football's governing body said: "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 incident is thought to have taken place in the second half of West Brom's 2-0 victory.

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. The referee is aware of what the allegations are and that will go through to the FA.

"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."

Rodriguez denies the claims against him, West Brom boss Alan Pardew said.

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

"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."

The incident will overshadow a landmark win for West Brom, whose long wait for a Premier League victory finally came to an end.

Jonny Evans' fourth-minute header set them on their way to halting a 20-game run stretching back to August, with fellow defender Craig Dawson heading in a second goal at the start of the second half.

Information from ESPN FC's Mark Ogden was used in this report