Fifa president Sepp Blatter says that Michael Essien should be punished for his tackle on Liverpool's Dietmar Hamann during Tuesday's UEFA Champions League encounter.

The Ghanaian avoided any punishment for the x-rated challenge as referee Herbert Fandel said that he did not see the incident.

Earlier in the season, Essien's challenge on Bolton's Tal Ben Haim sparked debate over whether or not referees could be over-ruled by officials who have viewed television replays.

On that occasion the Chelsea midfielder evaded punishment, although Blatter now says that the FA misinterpreted a Fifa directive and that Essien could still face disciplinary action.

"Fifa decided at the 1994 World Cup that television evidence can be used in the case of fouls that have not been identified by the referee or identified wrongly," he clarified.

"It was a rule later brought in in all Fifa competitions and by most national associations. When a referee expels a player on a red card and it is obvious he has made a mistake, then it is up to the league or national associations to change the decision.

"In the case of a Champions League decision, it is a matter for Uefa, but according to Fifa principles if it is a blatant red card offence, or no card at all has been issued, the disciplinary body can change the decision and make it a red card."