Troy Deeney has escaped punishment from the Football Association for his controversial celebration against Chelsea.

The Watford skipper raised both middle fingers to fans inside Vicarage Road after smashing a 42nd minute penalty past Thibaut Courtois to break the deadlock in the 4-1 Watford win.

A three-man panel could not agree on whether the incident, which wasn’t seen by referee Mike Dean, was worthy of a red card.

Deeney therefore escaped what would have been a third ban of the season having already missed seven games in 2017/18, but has been given a written warning regarding his future conduct.

An FA spokesperson wrote on Twitter: "Watford's Troy Deeney will not face any formal action following his goal celebration during the game against Chelsea on Monday [05/02/18].

"Video footage was referred to a panel of three former elite match officials who were asked to consider independently whether it was a red card offence.

"The response was not unanimous, therefore, no disciplinary action will follow. Nevertheless, The FA will write to the player and warn him as to his future conduct."

Deeney’s previous misdemeanours this term, which include a three match ban for grabbing hold of Joe Allen’s face and a straight red card against Huddersfield, meant he could have missed four games if found guilty.

However, he will now be available for Watford’s visit to London Stadium to face West Ham on Saturday as they continue their Premier League survival bid.