Cole and Knight Plead Red Cards

December 28, 2007

After two red cards awarded yesterday during the 4-4 draw at Stamford Bridge to both Ashley Cole and Zat Knight of Chelsea and Aston Villa respectively, both pleaded to the Football Association Thursday to have their red cards taken from Wednesday’s match. If upheld, a red card will be tantamount to a 3-match ban for both players.

Phil Dowd, the referee during the game, sent off Cole during the last minute for a handball on the Chelsea goal-line, yielding a penalty which made Gareth Barry earn a point for Aston Villa. Cole was dismissed during injury time near the end of the second half after he was believed to have held the ball on the line, though replays show it may in point of fact have only struck his shoulder. On the other hand, Knight was dismissed because of a foul on Michael Ballack, giving Chelsea a penalty while Aston Villa was leading with 2-0.

Chelsea manager Avram Grant was unwavering that his player didn’t deserve any penalty during the game. The Football Association announced today that they have received a petition for Cole’s card to be withdrawn. Villa manager Martin O’Neill also believes that the German midfielder lunged but only denied it. Ballack however believes that he had the ball and two guys from his rivals pushed him, which for him was a clear penalty.

Both will find out what is in store for them this coming Friday on the Football Association hearing. Both managers and teams are firm with their claims and beliefs to protect their players.

Posted in General, Premiership