Jay Rodriguez will deny any wrongdoing when FA investigate Gaeten Bong's accusations

The Baggies striker has been accused of saying something 'unforgivable' by the Cameroon international, who appeared to tell referee Martin Atkinson during Saturday's match that Rodriguez had been 'racist'.

But Rodriguez is furious at the accusation that will now be looked at by the FA this week, and plans to deny it in the strongest terms, saying his actions were simply implying Bong had bad breath.

Albion's 28-year-old forward clashed with the full-back early on in the second half and shortly after their heads touched, Rodriguez held his nose and wafted his hand in front of his face.

Bong rushed towards Atkinson and appeared to tell the referee Rodriguez had been 'racist'. Rodriguez then appeared to ask Bong incredulously: "Racist? What was racist about that?"

Atkinson stopped the game briefly while he got fourth official Tony Harrington to write down the accusation. He has included it in his referee's report and it will now be looked at by the FA.

After the game, Bong tweeted: "Some words should not be said on a football field and specially not by players Rodriguez words are unforgivable for the man I am!!"

However, Baggies boss Alan Pardew said: "I know Jay so well, I find it hard to believe – we’ll just have to see what the allegations are.

"It’s unusual for a player to make an allegation of that type and the referee to come over to both managers."

"I hope it’s not going to overshadow what’s been a great day for West Brom."

Albion ended their 20-game winless streak in the Premier League with a comfortable 2-0 win over Brighton on an afternoon that gave supporters renewed hope of surviving in the top tier.

Brighton boss Chris Hughton said: "Of course I have spoken to the player and what has happened has been done exactly how it should be done.

"It was reported to the referee straight away from Bong. I wasn't sure at the time but the referee came over to the fourth official, wrote down what the allegations were.

"I have seen the referee afterwards, as has Gaetan Bong, and that is the correct procedure and it will go through to the FA to deal with.

"All I can say there is an allegation that has been made and it has been through the correct protocol."

However, Rodriguez's brother Joe tweeted on Saturday night: "If Jay gets done for that it’s laughable."

An FA spokesperson said the governing body is awaiting the submission of Atkinson's report.