‘There was no intent’

important we learn from our mistakes and move on. 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 denied any intent but admitted the two players had exchanged words beforehand.

The striker said: “It was by accident. 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.”

And Hemed was given the backing of Brighton boss Chris Hughton, who said it would be out of character for him to stamp on an opposition player. “Yes I have seen it – I was shown it,” Hughton said. “My absolute impression was there was no intention, knowing the player as I do.”

Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez was also aggrieved at Brighton’s goal, insisting there had been a foul inside the box when Pascal Gross floated in the free-kick for Hemed’s winner.

He said: “I’m disappointed because the goal is a clear foul. 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.”

Hughton said: “What you saw is what you see in every game. It certainly wasn’t a foul.”