Javier Mascherano has avoided action by the Football Association for his high tackle on Gareth Barry during Liverpool's goalless draw with Manchester City on Sunday.
The Argentina captain caught one-time Reds target Barry on his left ankle in the dour stalemate at Eastlands but referee Peter Walton allowed play to continue.
Wembley chiefs have since reviewed video evidence and agreed that the match official had dealt
The Liverpool midfielder got away without even conceding a free-kick in Sunday's stalemate at Eastlands when he caught Barry above his left ankle and the FA yesterday viewed video evidence of the incident.
If found guilty on a charge of violent conduct, Mascherano was set to be hit with a five-match ban after being sent off twice already this season against Manchester United and Portsmouth.
The 25-year-old midfielder also escaped punishment in September when he incurred the wrath of Leeds United manager Simon Grayson following a tussle with Jermaine Beckford in the Carling Cup clash between the two sides.
However former referee Graham Poll has claimed that Walton had not seen the incident and believes that Mascherano would have been given his marching orders otherwise.
"In my opinion, it should have been a straight red, but for referee Peter Walton, not even a free-kick was justified, which surely means he did not see the incident," he told the Daily Mail.
"Remember that this is the same referee who two weeks ago had no hesitation in dismissing Manchester United's Nani for a two-footed lunge in the 1-1 draw at Villa Park.
"Javier Mascherano should be facing a five-match ban - and he still may be if the FA disciplinary department work in a consistent manner after his over-the-top challenge."
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Neil, Liverpool around 1 year, 11 months ago