NEWCASTLE centre-back Titus Bramble could be facing a two-match ban after being at the centre of an elbowing storm at the Philips Stadion last night.

Bramble appeared to flatten midfielder Remco van der Schaaf just before Jermaine Jenas equalised for the Magpies close to half-time.

Referee Gilles Veissiere spoke to Bramble and van der Schaaf, who had been tussling for a corner, but failed to mete out any punishment.

However, UEFA are likely to use video evidence to review the incident and Bramble may suffer the same fate as skipper Alan Shearer, who was banned for two games in last season's Champions League even though he initially escaped punishment after lashing out at Inter Milan defender Fabio Cannavaro at St. James' Park.

Shearer's strike partner Craig Bellamy was likewise banned last term - for three matches - after headbutting Dynamo Kiev's Tiberiu Ghioane.

Newcastle boss Sir Bobby Robson last night insisted he hadn't seen the Bramble incident but PSV coach Guus Hiddink demanded action from UEFA.

He said: "I have not seen the incident, but my players have seen it on TV and there is a clear elbow. I think, in this case, UEFA will make a judgement. If there is any justice, Bramble will not play in the return leg.''

Bramble already has two bookings to his name in the competition so is just one caution away from a one-game ban.

Hiddink was generally unhappy with the fussy French referee, adding: "He is not of European standard. I thought he was looking for my players and he did not handle the game well. My players fell into the trap of his vicious actions. This referee has done some strange things in the past as well.''

On his return to a club he managed twice, Robson was content after Jenas countered Mateja Kezman's 14th-minute opener.

Robson, who hailed his resolute defence, said: "I have to be satisfied. We didn't deserve to win, so I have to be happy with a draw. The tie is still very open and there may only be a goal in it next week - it'll be very close at St. James' Park.

"I was very pleased with my back-four - Shay Given didn't really have to make any sensational saves and we protected him well.

"But I don't feel we have the upper hand, it could still go either way. I was surprised when they went ahead, but Kezman took the goal well and it was clever play.

"I thought Aaron Hughes had the ball but Kezman pressed him and we lost it in a vital position.

"I thought we came into the game in the last 20 minutes of the first half, and finished it strongly with the equaliser from a set-play. I've enjoyed coming back here very much.''

Jenas headed the Magpies back into the game on his return from the tendon injury which ruled him out of the game against Everton.

Robson said: "He benefited from not playing on Saturday. He seemed fresh and played very well. His aerial ability was important to us and I was very pleased with his performance.''

Robson said that the hamstring injury which kept out midfielder Kieron Dyer is likely to be "short-term'', but he is set to miss Sunday's crunch game with Arsenal.

* Newcastle United first-team coach John Carver has been fined £500 by the Football Association after being found guilty of bringing the game into disrepute.

Carver received the fine for confronting referee Rob Styles at the end of 1-1 draw with Birmingham at St Andrew's in January.

A relieved Carver said: "The most important thing from my point of view is that there is no touchline ban."