Everton's Duncan Ferguson is to be investigated by the FA after TV pictures appeared to show him elbowing Aston Villa midfielder Joey Gudjonsson in last Saturday's match at Goodison Park.
The Scottish striker had only been on the pitch a few minutes as a second-half substitute when the Icelandic international was left lying flat out following a collision.
Referee Graham Poll took no action but the incident was highlighted on television and the FA have told Everton that their video panel will assess the incident.
Ferguson, who has made only a handful of appearances in another injury-ruined season, would face a three-match ban if the panel decided he was guilty of violent conduct.
However, any suspension would not be in place until the start of next season, leaving Ferguson clear to play in Everton's last two games.