Thursday Dec 27 2007 09:21
Chelsea central defender Ricardo Carvalho has issued an apology to Aston Villa forward Gabriel Agbonlahor over his two-footed challenge during the thrilling 4-4 draw at Stamford Bridge.
Carvalho was shown a straight red card ten minutes from time by referee Phil Dowd and the Portuguese has already said sorry for his actions.
He told the club's official website: "It was never my intention to hurt Gabriel Agbonlahor with the tackle.
"I was going for the ball and I don't want people to think that I tried to hurt another player.
"I didn't see him after the game to apologise, but I asked for a message to be passed on to him."
Chelsea boss Avram Grant was left with a mountain of headaches after the game, with Frank Lampard also having limped off in the first half with a thigh problem.
"We can't give a diagnosis on Frank Lampard yet, we'll wait and see," Grant commented.
"Frank was not happy about coming off because he likes playing, even in training games. We need to wait for an update."
Meanwhile, the Blues have also confirmed that they will appeal against Ashley Cole's dismissal in the game for deliberate handball in the dying seconds, as Villa snatched a last-gasp equaliser from the penalty spot.
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