Chelsea defender Jose Bosingwa escaped any disciplinary action Monday for appearing to deliberately kickl Yossi Benayoun in the back during the Blues' 2-0 English Premier League loss to Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

Bosingwa's act late in the match looked to many a more blatant foul than the challenge which saw Chelsea and England midfielder Frank Lampard sent-off on the hour mark. However, although Mike Riley did not see the incident himself, the referee confirmed it had been witnessed by his linesman Mo Matadar.

Because the officials deliberately decided not to take action against Bosingwa, the Football Association said that they were barred from imposing any disciplinary sanctions upon the Portugal defender. After the match, Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari said he would have had no complaints if Bosingwa had been sent-off for his wild challenge on Israeli playmaker Benayoun.

Congo-born Bosingwa, 26, was in contrite mood Monday after a defeat which left Chelsea five points behind leaders Manchester United

"I apologise for what I did and it was never my intention to hurt him (Benayoun)," said Bosingwa. "I know it was wrong and I apologise. It's always frustrating to lose big games and especially in this way. It was important to get points and not let Manchester United go. That didn't happen, so we are upset, but now we have to think about the next game."