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Scolari threw a punch at Ivica Dragutinovic amid chaotic scenes of confrontation after the final whistle, but did not appear to make strong contact.

"UEFA has opened an investigation into events at the end of the UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying Group A match between Portugal and Serbia in Lisbon," said a statement from European football's governing body.

Portugal's federation said it would open an immediate inquiry.

Scolari said charges were not warranted, claiming: "I just touched his hair a bit. With or without images, there is no reason to punish me.

"I think UEFA doesn't have any reason to suspend me from the next qualifying games," he said.

"They can analyse whatever they want. If I have to give an explanation I will say the same thing, I only wanted to separate and protect one of my players."

But Serbia's Spanish coach coach Javier Clemente slammed his opposite number.

"It is regrettable that a World Cup-winning coach can have an attitude like that. If he doesn't know how to lose then he should give up football," said Clemente.

"In my judgement it is not our player who should be investigated by UEFA, but they should take a stand on what Scolari did because his behaviour was simply inexcusable."

Meanwhile, Dragutinovic was quick to absolve himself of any blame, stating: "I was going over to talk to [Ricardo] Quaresma and then the incident happened.

"There was a camera there that saw everything clearly and I'm sure that will show exactly what happened."

AC / Eurosport