JAVIER Mascherano has snapped back after being bitten by Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe.

Defoe sunk his teeth into the West Ham midfielder's left shoulder after the Argentinian had felled the former Irons frontman with a late tackle during Sunday's heated London derby.

Both men were booked for their part in the incident by referee Steve Bennett, but the Football Association has confirmed that no further action will be taken against Defoe, as it has deemed that the 24-year-old has already been punished.

Mascherano, 22, said he had never experienced anything like Defoe's actions - described as a "comical nibble" by Spurs manager Martin Jol - during his career.

He said: "To receive a bite was the worst thing that has happened to me.

"Things weren't going well for me, but this was unexpected and outrageous.

"It really hurt me to hear what was said about me - namely that I made a comical gesture after Defoe bit me.

"I'm not an actor and there are now television images to prove this.

"This whole incident was incredible. Never in my professional career have I witnessed action like this and I still don't understand why the referee has not shown the red card to Defoe."

In contrast to his player's comments, boss Alan Pardew claimed Mascherano was "fine" and "did not bear any grudges" towards Defoe.

The FA's decision not to punish Defoe - who was booked for "aggressive behaviour" - has been met with criticism in some quarters.

An FA spokesman explained: "We are unable to take any action because the referee has already dealt with the incident. Under FIFA regulations, we are prevented from taking retrospective action."

However, Manchester City defender Ben Thatcher was punished by the FA after elbowing Portsmouth midfielder Pedro Mendes earlier this season.

The FA deemed the incident "exceptional" due to the injuries sustained by Mendes.