The Football Association has confirmed they will be looking into possible racial abuse directed at Middlesbrough's Mido, during the Tees-Tyne derby on Sunday at The Riverside.
Newcastle fans subjected the Egyptian to a torrent of abuse during the 2-2 draw, and it is now claimed that some chants were Islamophobic.
"We will certainly be looking into it," an FA spokesman told the Guardian.
Both Mido and Gareth Southgate have reacted angrily to referee Mike Dean's decision to book the striker after he celebrated in front of the visiting fans after he scored.
Southgate anger
"I find it strange that 3,000 people can abuse one person and nothing is done," said Southgate.
"On the other hand when the boot is on the other foot, it gets him into trouble.
"In terms of civil liberties I find that strange. We had to calm Mido down at the end of the first half."
Mido was also at a loss to understand his yellow card.
"I was very frustrated when the referee gave me a booking," he said.
"I don't think I deserved a yellow card but that is football, I suppose, and you have to get on with it.
"I don't understand why I was booked, though. I'm told it was for security reasons but I don't see how that is possible. I don't see why what I did affected the security of the fans. I just put my finger to my mouth to say 'quiet'."
Anger
Mido himself admitted he was angered by the chants, saying "I heard it; it was clear and I could understand what they were saying.
"I'm used to it from opposition fans but I just think this was ridiculous.
"I don't know why they do it. I just think they were maybe taking the p*** and maybe some of them were drunk or something, I just don't know. It made me want to score goals. I was very delighted to score once and wanted another."
Middlesbrough are due to confirm on Tuesday whether they will be making their own official complaint on the matter.