Marouane Fellaini has apologised for headbutting Stoke City’s Ryan Shawcross in the 1-1 Premier League draw at the Britannia Stadium.

The Belgian midfielder clashed with Shawcross on the hour mark as the players jostled for position at a corner, but the incident went unnoticed by referee Mark Halsey and his assistants.

“I apologise completely to Ryan Shawcross, my team mates and to our fans at the game,” said the Belgian midfielder.

“There was a lot of pushing and pulling going on inside the Stoke penalty area and I didn’t feel I was getting any protection from the officials.

“Nevertheless I know I shouldn’t have done what I did.

“I have also apologised to the manager and the staff. I have no excuses, I was disappointed with the way I was being treated and I lost my temper, which was unprofessional of me.”

Everton manager David Moyes said Fellaini deserves to be punished for the assault.

“He deserves to get the punishment. I’ve seen it, it’s a terrible thing to do and I expect him to be punished. It’s down to the FA. I’ve told him it’s not acceptable and whatever he gets, he and us deserve it,” conceded Moyes.

A first-half own-goal from Shawcross had gifted Everton the lead, but Kenwyne Jones struck seven minutes after the break as Stoke stretched their undefeated run to seven matches, while Everton drew for the eighth time in their last 11 outings.

The stalemate left Everton fourth on 27 points, two adrift of third-placed Chelsea, as Stoke remained ninth on 24 points and behind Arsenal on goal difference.