Video: Raheem Sterling slaps Swansea's Federico Fernandez in the face, escapes sending off

Raheem Sterling of Liverpool and Federico Fernandez of Swansea City were involved in a heated affair.

Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling should consider himself lucky from not being sent off during the Merseyside side’s 4-1 win over Swansea at Anfield. The English winger had slapped Swansea's Federico Fernandez in the 80th minute of the match right in front of the linesman but was not booked.

Fernandez had been clashing against Sterling throughout the night, and even if this was just a sign of frustration from Sterling, the conduct was thoroughly unacceptable. Linesman Mike Mullarkey was as close as a person could get to an incident, and it was surprising to not see him or referee Andre Marine take any action against it.

In his interview with Sky Sports, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers defended both Shelvey and Sterling, saying, “I’ve seen both. The referee has probably seen them for what they are. Young Jonjo has swung his arm and probably caught him but not intentionally.”

“[Fernandez] and Raheem were probably at it all night. Raheem clipped him round the head but I think the referee has dealt with it. It was the end of the game and I thought the referee dealt with it well,” he added.

Earlier in the first half, former Liverpool player Jonjo Shelvey had lashed out at Emre Can which appeared as a deliberate elbow. However, a red card was avoided in this case as well.

Sterling lashing out at Federico Fernandez

Jonjo Shelvey’s swings his arm against Emre Can