United's Ferdinand off the hook

London - Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand will not face punishment over an off-the-ball clash with Chelsea striker Fernando Torres, the Football Association said on Tuesday.

Television pictures showed Ferdinand appearing to catch Torres from behind in the latter stages of Chelsea's 2-2 draw at Old Trafford in Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final.

The Spaniard fell to the floor before being helped to his feet by Ferdinand, in an incident that did not appear to be witnessed by match referee Howard Webb.

However, a spokesperson from the FA told Britain's Press Association that Ferdinand would not face retrospective action.