/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/9570721/161627767.0.jpg)
Lost by most journalists in the utter insanity that was the second half of Chelsea's FA Cup match against Manchester United on Sunday was this stunt pulled by Rio Ferdinand on Fernando Torres:
That's... well, it's not very nice, and although it wasn't noticed during the match, you'd expect some action to be taken for a deliberate and malicious (although not particularly violent) off-ball challenge like that. Well, you'd expect it if it wasn't Ferdinand and Howard Webb dealing with a Chelsea player.
Rio Ferdinand will not be charged over Fernando Torres incident. Howard Webb shown footage and deemed it not a red-card offence. #mufc #cfc
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) March 12, 2013
I can't say I'm surprised, but I was hoping for at least a wrist-slap. I don't really know why I bothered -- rank cowardice in the form of kicking people with their backs turned (for no apparent reason, no less) is obviously something we should seek to keep in the sport. Rio Ferdinand, everyone!