Jose Bosingwa has apologised for his actions after the Football Association confirmed no action will be taken over his kick at Liverpool substitute Yossi Benayoun during Chelsea's 2-0 defeat at Anfield on Sunday.
Referee Mike Riley, who had earlier sent off Frank Lampard in controversial circumstances, admitted that, while he had not seen Bosingwa's challenge, it had been spotted by assistant Mo Matadar.
The officials did not punish Bosingwa and, under FIFA law, the FA are prohibited from taking disciplinary action when incidents are seen at the time by the match officials.
"I apologise for what I did and it was never my intention to hurt him," 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."
Meanwhile, Chelsea should receive another welcome slice of good news today if Lampard, as expected, has his red card overturned at a FA regulatory commission hearing.
Chelsea appealed against Riley's decision to dismiss the midfielder following a challenge between him and Xabi Alonso in the 60th minute.
TV replays appeared to show Lampard won the ball fairly before being kicked by Alonso.
The England midfielder is scheduled to miss the home game against Hull along with away trips to Watford and Aston Villa if the appeal is unsuccessful.
Chelsea coach Luiz Felipe Scolari will understandably be delighted if Lampard's card is rescinded.
But the Chelsea camp still feel they are being victimised by officials this season.
Scolari's pre-match criticism that referees were too quick to dish out red cards to his players was echoed by England left-back Ashley Cole.
He pointed to Manchester City's game at Stoke on Saturday as an example of their suffering.
Rory Delap was sent off after clashing with City's Shaun Wright-Phillips, but the winger escaped punishment even though he kicked out at the Stoke player while on the ground.
"All the players watched what happened with Shaun Wright-Phillips (at Stoke) and no-one gets booked or questioned about it," he said.
"We do one little tackle and we seem to be getting yellow and red cards."
Chelsea are now level on points with Aston Villa, three behind Liverpool and five behind leaders Manchester United, who have a game in hand.
Referee Mike Riley, who had earlier sent off Frank Lampard in controversial circumstances, admitted that, while he had not seen Bosingwa's challenge, it had been spotted by assistant Mo Matadar.
The officials did not punish Bosingwa and, under FIFA law, the FA are prohibited from taking disciplinary action when incidents are seen at the time by the match officials.
"I apologise for what I did and it was never my intention to hurt him," 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."
Meanwhile, Chelsea should receive another welcome slice of good news today if Lampard, as expected, has his red card overturned at a FA regulatory commission hearing.
Chelsea appealed against Riley's decision to dismiss the midfielder following a challenge between him and Xabi Alonso in the 60th minute.
TV replays appeared to show Lampard won the ball fairly before being kicked by Alonso.
The England midfielder is scheduled to miss the home game against Hull along with away trips to Watford and Aston Villa if the appeal is unsuccessful.
Chelsea coach Luiz Felipe Scolari will understandably be delighted if Lampard's card is rescinded.
But the Chelsea camp still feel they are being victimised by officials this season.
Scolari's pre-match criticism that referees were too quick to dish out red cards to his players was echoed by England left-back Ashley Cole.
He pointed to Manchester City's game at Stoke on Saturday as an example of their suffering.
Rory Delap was sent off after clashing with City's Shaun Wright-Phillips, but the winger escaped punishment even though he kicked out at the Stoke player while on the ground.
"All the players watched what happened with Shaun Wright-Phillips (at Stoke) and no-one gets booked or questioned about it," he said.
"We do one little tackle and we seem to be getting yellow and red cards."
Chelsea are now level on points with Aston Villa, three behind Liverpool and five behind leaders Manchester United, who have a game in hand.
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