Ukraine have lodged an official protest with Uefa over an incident after Tuesday night's Under-21 European Championship qualifier at Ballymena Showgrounds.

The Ukranians have claimed their midfielder Andriy Berezovchuk was hurt in a flare-up with a Northern Ireland player amid chaotic scenes at the end of the match.

Onlookers said players from both sides were jostling and arguing in the tunnel following the 1-1 draw.

The Irish Football Association may now conduct their own inquiry.

Earlier, Northern Ireland had seemed in line for their first victory in two years.

Holding out

Southampton defender Chris Baird rattled in a 30-yard shot that went in off a post six minutes before the break.

Northern Ireland seemed to be holding out only to cave in seven minutes before the end when substitute Taras Kabanov equalised.

"As the game went on, we seemed to settle for a 1-0. Then one defensive mistake cost us the game," said NI coach Roy Millar.

"They are a top European side but they did not look like scoring. So overall I am disappointed we did not win."