Sparks fly on and off pitch from Bellamy

Charlton Athletic - 1 Newcastle Utd - 1: Trust Craig Bellamy to enliven proceedings. The Welshman can often be relied upon to provide spark and his contributions yesterday came not just on the pitch but on his way off it. The Newcastle player would like his role here to be remembered only for the header with which he put his team ahead, but will now have to account for his language when substituted.

Bellamy was caught on television swearing as he walked towards the bench and his comments may have been directed at Graeme Souness rather than merely muttered in frustration at going off in the 67th minute. Souness will investigate because he did not hear anything. "I will look at that," the manager said. "I will ask if it was directed at me and tell you what happens."

Bellamy was visibly upset when he saw his time was up. He had not played particularly well but had scored neatly at the near post and created one or two moments of danger for Charlton. The 25-year-old will have felt particularly aggrieved to be replaced by Shola Ameobi because this was the chance he has craved as a central striker.

He has tended to play in midfield, where he is not happy, to accommodate Patrick Kluivert. But with the Dutchman injured he was allowed to partner Alan Shearer. Souness must judge whether Bellamy's comments justify disciplinary action. He noted that he was never delighted when taken off.

"I can understand players not being happy," he said. "He's played two (international) games and lost two games. Psychologically and physically he's not at his best." Souness added: "You have to be prepared to be substituted" but also said: "I have never experienced anyone coming off and saying: 'Thanks boss'."

Souness would presumably have preferred to talk about a match which ended in open, entertaining fashion. If a draw was fair it will also rankle with the visitors. "When you are 1-0 up you should see the game out," Shearer said.

He added that an away point is always respectable but too many draws on their travels cost Newcastle a top-four finish last season. Twelve of their 19 away games ended all-square. They took an early lead at Birmingham in their last away game and that ended 2-2.

Charlton are hardly easy to beat here, undefeated in nine home games, but failure to capitalise on winning positions has undermined Newcastle this season, particularly before Souness came. Shearer described as "criminal" the defending in the build up to the Charlton equaliser, which saw Andy O'Brien hitting into his own net as he slid to intercept Kevin Lisbie's shot.

The final 20 minutes could have seen victory for either side. Shearer twice went close and also cleared off the line during a period in which Charlton hit the post and bar. "I'm not disappointed because we have come here, shown great determination and got something," Souness said.

No one epitomised that determination more than Shearer, who ended with blood on his shirt from a head wound. Shay Given twice saved Newcastle, a first-half stop from Graham Stuart particularly impressive.

Charlton got strong performances not just from Chris Perry but their central midfielders Matt Holland and Danny Murphy. Holland showed his value on his first start since the opening day and Murphy looked to be getting back towards his best.

A good move brought Bellamy's goal, the striker getting between Perry and Jon Fortune to meet an Olivier Bernard cross.

Charlton were lifted by their equaliser, Lisbie beating O'Brien from Shaun Bartlett's flick and sidestepping Given for a shot which was directed in by O'Brien.

Bowyer later deflected a Rommedahl effort on to the bar and Holland hit a post. But it required excellent blocks by Luke Young and Perry to deny Newcastle.

Bellamy will need an equally effective defence in his discussions with Souness.