Kevin Phillips may face a Football Association disciplinary investigation following Sunderland's goalless draw at Aston Villa.
The Sunderland striker was involved in an incident with Lee Hendrie towards the end of yesterday's game when he allegedly elbowed the Villa midfielder in the face.
The England international, who had been booked earlier for a late challenge on the same player, apparently caught Hendrie with an elbow as the pair challenged for a ball and left him with a thick lip.
Phillips escaped a red card as referee Uriah Rennie did not see the incident. But the striker may yet face disciplinary action if the FA decide to view video replays of the match.
Hendrie said afterwards: "We both went for a ball and I got an elbow in my face. I said to Kev: 'Look, that's out of order', and he said: 'I thought you were going to do me'.
"But I wouldn't have done that and he just apologised at the end and that was it".
Phillips refused to speak about the incident as he left Villa Park, and Sunderland boss Peter Reid said he had not seen it.
PA