Fernando Torres escaping action over scratch is 'a joke', 'farcical' and 'disgraceful' says Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas Andre Villas-Boas has expressed his dismay at the FA's decision not to take further action against Fernando Torres for an apparent scratch on Jan Vertonghen, labelling it "disgraceful" and "farcical." It was confirmed yesterday that the Chelsea striker would not be retrospectively punished for his altercation with the Spurs defender. Television pictures showed the Spaniard scratch the face of Vertonghen in the fiery London derby at White Hart Lane. Torres was sent off later in the game for a second bookable offense, leading to an automatic one match ban, but when the FA decided to review the incident, it appeared the striker could be hit with a lengthier ban. However, the match officials informed the FA that they has partially seen the incident, making retrospective action impossible under the current review system. That decision has completely dumbfounded Villas-Boas. "It's extremely difficult to know where to start," the Portuguese said, speaking ahead of the Europa League clash with Anzhi. Obviously, it is almost a farcical decision. It doesn't matter to me which player or club is involved. Neither do I want to with my words put into question Fernando's integrity; neither their manager's, in trying to defend what is our position. I think the FA has made a decision almost a joke. It looks incredible. How can you see the images, pretty clear, and come out without punishment, on something (which) overtakes all professional behaviour? I think the decision is a disgrace. If the committee can't solve such clear images I don't think it sets out a good first example and we're not asking nobody to retract themselves; the player to retract themselves. That would not be fair. The match at White Hart Lane, which ended 1-1, was billed as a meeting between master and apprentice as Villas-Boas came up against former mentor Jose Mourinho. The Tottenham manager appeared eager today not to open the wounds between the pair any further by insisting his anger has nothing to do with destabilising Chelsea. This is a competition and in the end they came up with what they thought was fair for that. We don't want Fernando suspended because it can make them weaker, because their bench is so strong, but I think the FA has lost all opportunity to put some sense into the images everybody saw. I'm extremely grateful for ex-refs to be able to enlighten people a little bit more, though I think most of you guys saw the incident as something that is not tolerable in football. Is the FA review system up to scratch? Sam Wallace looks at how it works