Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew says he will be "surprised" if the Football Association ban Mile Jedinak after the midfielder appeared to elbow West Ham striker Diafra Sakho on Saturday.
Jedinak struck Sakho in the face with his arm towards the end of Palace's 3-1 win at Upton Park but referee Mike Dean took no action during the game.
A retrospective punishment for violent conduct would see Jedinak suspended for four matches as the 30-year-old has already been sent off this season.
"I saw it immediately after the game because it was highlighted to me by the press," Pardew said.
"I have seen worse incidents where nothing has happened so I will be surprised if something happens with this.
"But the media have highlighted it and we will have to see where it goes."
The FA, who can take action if Dean confirms he did not see the incident, are expected to announce their decision on Monday afternoon.
Pardew believes Jedinak's altercation with Sakho is an example of certain incidents being given undue prominence by the media while other, more serious offences, are ignored.
"Is it a case of trial by media? Yes and I think it is a problem," Pardew said. "We had an incident with [West Brom defender] Craig Dawson on [Palace keeper] Julian Speroni earlier in the season -- it was far worse than this incident and nothing was done.
"It is about where are the guidelines? In retrospect it is very, very difficult and I think the FA have a tough job."
Hull defender Maynor Figueroa may also find himself in trouble with the FA for his tackle on Stephen Ireland, which left the Stoke midfielder needing stitches.
Pardew believes Figueroa's challenge was far more serious than Jedinak's and has called on the FA to clarify the rules on retrospective action.
"It is just that with the media coverage, some incidents get covered more than others and get more publicity," Pardew said.
"I don't know if it is the right call with what we are making more serious -- the tackle on Ireland for example is a much more serious issue than Jedinak's challenge.
"It is a very difficult line for the FA -- I have some sympathy for what they are going to do.
"You don't want to see those incidents -- Mile's or any other incidents like that -- but do you do it retrospectively?
"I don't know the answer to that and we need some clear indication of what the guidelines are."