Villa appeal, Ballack denies diving

Aston Villa have formally appealed against Zat Knight's red card in yesterday's Barclays Premier League match at Chelsea.

The centre-half was sent off after referee Phil Dowd awarded a penalty against him for a foul on Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack during the 4-4 draw at Stamford Bridge yesterday.

"Villa have officially appealed against Zat Knight's debatable red card at Chelsea yesterday," a club statement read.

"Martin O'Neill was incensed by the decision and after reviewing the incident again this morning has decided to lodge a formal appeal in the hope that Knight can avoid a three-match ban."

Chelsea defender Ashley Cole has lodged a claim for wrongful dismissal with the Football Association following his red card in the same game.

The England international was sent off after he handled the ball in order to prevent a shot from Gabriel Agbonlahor from crossing the line in stoppage time.

The claim will be considered by the FA tomorrow.

Ballack, meanwhile, has denied diving to win a crucial penalty in yesterday's 4-4 draw with Aston Villa.

Villa boss Martin O'Neill suggested Ballack had tumbled over even though there had been no contact with Knight, who was shown a dubious red card.

Andriy Shevchenko rifled home the penalty to initiate Chelsea's fightback in a remarkable afternoon at Stamford Bridge.

O'Neill felt Knight's dismissal in the 46th minute was the turning point and was furious with referee Phil Dowd's decision.

But Ballack told 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."