Cristiano Ronaldo will not be punished for kicking out at Tottenham's Michael Dawson.

The Manchester United winger was seen to aim a little flick at Dawson after being tackled in Saturday's 0-0 draw at White Hart Lane.

Referee Mike Dean, who did not take action during the game, has looked at the incident but not deemed it serious.

A Football Association spokesman said: “The referee has confirmed he would not have sent the player off for violent conduct had he seen it.”

Spurs, meanwhile, could be without Jonathan Woodgate and Jermaine Jenas over Christmas and New Year after both were injured on Saturday.

With Ledley King already struggling due to knee trouble, Spurs must soldier on without three key players, meaning Michael Dawson should captain the team in Thursday's UEFA Cup match against Spartak Moscow.

Although Woodgate's back injury is not as serious as was first feared, he spent Saturday night in hospital and will miss the game against Spartak, while Jenas has torn a calf muscle and will be out for at least two weeks.