Tomer Hemed faces three-match ban threat after 'stamp' on Newcastle defender DeAndre Yedlin

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Brighton's match-winner Tomer Hemed could face a three-match retrospective ban after appearing to stamp on Newcastle's DeAndre Yedlin.

The striker scored the only goal of a tight game to earn Brighton their second home win in succession and take their season tally to seven points. 

But at the end of the game he planted his studs on the back of Newcastle full-back Yedlin's calf as he lay on the floor, which was not punished by referee Andre Marriner. 

Tomer Hemed could face a three-match ban after appearing to stamp on DeAndre Yedlin

Hemed celebrates in front of the home fans after scoring the only goal of the game

The striker's acrobatic finish was the difference as Brighton beat Newcastle on Sunday

The Football Association will wait for the referee's report to see if the incident is included before they will consider retrospective action.

'I felt something on my calf,' Yedlin said. 

'I didn't see anything. I was in the mix of things. I don't know, it's not really important. It's important we learn from our mistakes and move on. I was on the ground. 

'Whether it was accidental or not, it doesn't really matter now but I'm sure whoever is on the committee that punishes that sort of thing will figure it out.' 

Hemed is Brighton's only fully fit striker and has scored twice in his last three games, meaning any suspension would be a huge blow to the south coast club. 

Referee Andre Marriner talks with Newcastle DeAndre Yedlin during the game at the Amex

'It was by accident,' he insisted. 'Before I just told him: "If you cannot jump for the ball, why push me? Try to take the ball, don't push me." But after that, it was by accident. If I hurt him, I am sorry.' 

Brighton manger Chris Hughton defended his player, saying afterwards: 'I have seen it – I was shown it. My absolute impression was that there was no intention, particularly knowing the player as I do. 

'My first impression was absolutely no intent.

'It is obviously very fresh at the moment. I was unaware of it at the time and I have just been shown it. All I can do is give my opinion. My opinion is certainly no intent.' 

Yedlin's calf was caught by the Brighton striker towards the end of the game on Sunday

Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez said he did not see the incident but complained that there was a foul in the build-up to Hemed's 51st-minute strike. 

Pascal Gross swung a free kick into the penalty area and when Dale Stephens headed back across goal Benitez believes Bruno shoved Chancel Mbemba.

'I'm disappointed because the goal is a clear foul,' Benitez said. 'We didn't defend well, I would say that, but at the same time there is some movement and it's a push, not a block, it's a foul, that's it, and the referee has a very good position.

'It was very clear, you can see the replay. It's a player who is moving, it's not a player who is standing still and blocking, it's a player moving and pushing. 

'It's a very clear foul when you talk about all the meetings we've had. Still we were not defending well so we have to be strong. I don't disagree with that. But still it's a clear foul.' 

Hughton responded: 'What you saw is what you see in every game. It certainly wasn't a foul. It was the same as what you will see in any game.'

Brighton boss Chris Hughton insists there was no intent from his player to cause harm