Aston Villa FC

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Villa appeal Knight dismissal

27 Dec 2007 - 13:06:38

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Aston Villa have confirmed that they will appeal against the sending-off of centre-back Zat Knight during the 4-4 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Knight was dismissed just before half-time for a professional foul on Michael Ballack, with Villa holding a shock 2-0 lead at the time.

They went on to salvage a 4-4 draw thanks to Gareth Barry's last-gasp penalty kick, but boss Martin O'nNeill was less than impressed by the decision of referee Phil Dowd to dismiss Knight.

He said: "Zat Knight's sending-off was a major moment. It wasn't a penalty, the Chelsea player went over and there was no contact.

"There wasn't one decision we got. If we get the next 15 it will only semi make up for it.

"We were playing brilliantly. We deserved to be 2-0 in front, but the penalty was really dubious and it was a major turning point in the game.

"Suddenly it was 2-1, we've had a man sent off and have to play the whole of the second half with ten men."

Blues midfielder Ballack, for his part, has denied going over too easily, telling the London Evening Standard: "For me there is no discussion about this.

"I had the ball and two guys, not just one, came and one pushed me. It was a clear penalty."