NEWCASTLE United football star Laurent Robert appeared to throw a punch at a journalist yesterday in the St James' Park press room.

The incident happened less than five minutes after the end of Newcastle's 2-1 Premiership victory over Tottenham Hotspur, and the £10m French winger was still wearing his playing shorts and socks.

He was furious with an article he believed had been written by Newcastle Evening Chronicle reporter Alan Oliver, and had to be restrained by teammate Lomano LuaLua as tempers became frayed.

But it was understood last night that the story that had enraged Robert had not been written by Oliver.

A witness said: "It only lasted for about 25 seconds but it was very unpleasant."

Newcastle manager Sir Bobby Robson said there would be an investigation.