The coach and player traded expletives before the defender stormed off the pitch and did not complete the session.

The incident occurred after Milicevic disputed a ruling by van Egmond during a three-on-three training drill. The exchange was the second between the pair in the session.

Both played down the incident afterwards.

Milicevic declared it no different to bust-ups between managers and players at clubs around the world. Van Egmond refused to comment, other than saying the matter would be dealt in-house.

"I'm aware there was an exchange," Tsatsimas told The Herald last night.

"I had a preliminary conversation on it with the coach but I have not spoken to both parties at length.

"I was not there at the time, and once I have the full details I will deal with it appropriately."

The Jets have today off training but the matter is unlikely to be resolved before they regroup tomorrow to continue preparations for the crucial away Asian Champions League clash against Nagoya in a fortnight.

"Ljubo has returned to Melbourne this afternoon for a family funeral. I am in Sydney for a meeting tomorrow but it is something I will look into," Tsatsimas said.

Milicevic joined the Jets in February after a year out of the game in which he battled depression.

His break followed a tumultuous stint at Melbourne Victory, where a personality clash with captain Kevin Muscat led to a falling out with management. In February 2008, Milicevic came to an agreement with the club to mutually terminate the final year of his contract.

Despite having not played for a year, Milicevic arrived at Newcastle in superb physical condition after engaging a personal trainer.

He has quickly become an integral part of the squad.

He started in both rounds of the Asian Champions League against Beijing and Ulsan and helped set up a goal against the Koreans.