LISBON (Reuters-AP) ¿ Portugal's Soccer Federation will consider today coach Luiz Felipe Scolari's behaviour during Portugal's qualifier with Serbia, when the Brazilian apparently lashed out at Serbian defender Ivica Dragutinovic.

"While it is not on the agenda, an issue like this has to be considered at the directors' meeting (today)," a federation source said.

Portuguese newspapers carried front page pictures of Scolari yesterday and radio channels discussed the incident at length. Sports daily "A Bola" carried a front page headline reading "Black night for Scolari''.

"I just touched his hair a bit," Scolari said after Wednesday's 1-1 draw. "With or without images, there is no reason to punish me."

It was not clear whether he actually struck Dragutinovic.

Dragutinovic, who was shown a red card after the whistle, apparently for abuse, was enraged.

"It's unacceptable for a coach to do something like that," he said.

UEFA said Thursday they expected to receive the match report later in the day and would consider opening a formal investigation.

Scolari, who won the 2002 World Cup with Brazil before joining Portugal, said he wasn't worried.

"There's no evidence that can convict me. I'm absolutely certain about what happened," he said.

Serbia coach Javier Clemente said he was sure UEFA would take action, possibly sanctioning Scolari.

"I don't understand it when a world champion coach comes onto the field to hit an adversary," Clemente said.

The draw was a setback to Portugal in their hopes of reaching the Euro 2008 finals.

Sports secretary Laurentino Dias said the scenes at the end of the match were deplorable and called on the federation to take a stand, according to news agency Lusa.

Portugal conceded the equaliser in the 88th minute, Branislav Ivanovic scrambling the ball home after a free kick by Dejan Stankovic.

Portugal players appealed for offside but German referee Markus Merk ignored the protests.

Portugal, who drew 2-2 with Poland last Saturday after conceding an 87th minute equaliser, stay in third place in qualifying Group A on 17 points.