Swansea City boss Brendan Rodgers refused to criticise Chelsea striker Fernando Torres for his X-rated tackle on Mark Gower.

Torres saw red for the challenge, but Rodgers was confident he had not intended to hurt Gower.

"I don't think he's a malicious player," he said.

"It's one where the ball's just got away from Gower.

"He probably feels it's there to be won and he's trying to show his intention at the moment that he's fighting for everything."