The hot-headed shotstopper lashed out in anger after a late penalty appeal was turned down by Shields despite TV replays clearly showing James Holland handballing in the penalty area.

The incident came in the dying moments of the game with Newcastle Jets one goal ahead and only seconds to play.

Vukovic had run upfield to join the rest of the Mariners' attack for a last minute corner which John Aloisi almost headed home after the deflection from Holland's hand.

But the Olyroos keeper was part of a posse of Central Coast players who surrounded Shields to demand the penalty.

Sasho Petrovski appeared to make contact with Shields before Vukovic unleashed a strong slap on the palm of Shields's outstretched hand.

Vukovic immediately began to run upfield to return to his goal, but Shields followed him and showed him the red card, sending him down the tunnel.

Now Football Federation Australia will look into the incident to see if further action is required.

If the FFA agrees with the red card, the keeper could be looking at a ban of between a year and life for attacking a referee.

Jets star Joel Griffiths famously whacked linesman Alex Glasgow in the groin in the first clash of the season between the Jets and Mariners.

But he was shown a yellow for the incident and the FFA were unable to pursue the matter further as the referee was judged to have dealt with the problem.

Because Vukovic was shown a straight red though, the FFA can now take further action if they want.

Vukovic is due to join the Olyroos squad for the friendly against Mexico in the USA this week and would be a certainty for the squad heading for Beijing 2008.

Any ban would end his Olympic dream and potentially his entire career.

After the game, Mariners' coach Lawrie McKinna defended his 'keeper, despite it being the second time Vukovic has been sent off this season.

"I think it's just passion and hunger and when you see something and it doesn't get dealt with, I think it's just that," McKinna said.

"We want passionate players and hungry players and it's just disappointing. Sometimes emotions get the better of you and tonight it did with Danny."