O'Neill hits out over Ballack penalty

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O'Neill is considering an appeal of the red card shown to Zat Knight on the stroke of half-time after claiming his player had made no contact with Ballack.

He said: "Zat Knight's sending off was a major moment. I've seen it a couple of times now and while I'm aware that I have the benefit of replays I will look at it again."

He added: "I might appeal and we have until noon on Thursday to do so. It wasn't a penalty. The Chelsea player went over and there was no contact. That's my view - it wasn't a penalty."

The Villa boss was also frustrated by the free-kick awarded for Martin Laursen's challenge on Joe Cole that was converted by Ballack to nudge Chelsea 4-3 ahead in the 88th minute, insisting Dowd's decision was influenced by the crowd.

He said: "The free-kick they got with three minutes to go was not a free-kick. It didn't look like it could be possible. I've seen it again since but how did I feel at the time that he might just give it? He did.

"The referee was in a position to get that one right because he was on the spot."

Gareth Barry fired an injury-time penalty to rescue a point for Villa after Chelsea left back Ashley Cole had been dismissed for handling Gabriel Agbonlahor's shot on the line.

The dismissal of Cole was one of three red cards in a thrilling contest full of talking points and controversy.

O'Neill said: "Thank God the linesman saw the penalty on the line and we got something. Cole handled the ball and it was clear cut."