Yaya Toure will NOT face action for kick at Ricky van Wolfswinkel - with Jose Mourinho claiming the FA has failed to 'defend football'

The Manchester City midfielder would have been banned for the next three games if found guilty

Yaya Toure with Manuel Pellegrini (GETTY IMAGES)

Yaya Toure has escaped action for his kick at Ricky van Wolfswinkel in Manchester City's 0-0 draw with Norwich City at Carrow Road.

The Ivorian had been expected to be retrospectively punished after it appeared the incident was missed by match officials at the time.

However, the FA has announced that Toure will not face any action.

A three-man panel of former elite referees which reviewed the incident did not unanimously believe it was an act of violent conduct.

It will come as a relief to City, who would have been without their influential midfielder for Premier League games against Sunderland and Stoke City, and the FA Cup meeting with Chelsea.

However, the decision not to punish Toure may anger others.

Earlier today Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho said the former Barcelona player should be punished or otherwise the FA risked players trying to get away with things behind referees' backs.

“If he's not suspended, the message is clear: the players can do what they want if the referee doesn't see,” Mourinho said. “If the FA defends football, he would have to be suspended.”

Mourinho admitted that he would be disappointed if Toure was not banned – a ban which would have included the FA Cup tie with his side this Saturday. “Of course, or it's the same for everyone. If the referee doesn't see, then I can do whatever. It doesn't matter about cameras or others seeing. I can do whatever I want.”