Carvalho says sorry to Villa star

Ricardo Carvalho has apologised to Villa star Gabriel Agbonlahor for his horror tackle.

The Chelsea defender, one of three players dismissed in yesterday's seesaw 4-4 thriller at Stamford Bridge, was sent off for a two-footed tackle on Villa's six-goal top scorer.

Carvalho said: "It was never my intention to hurt Agbonlahor with the tackle.

"I was going for the ball and I don't want people to think 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."

Carvalho felt ill after the game and left with his family, but not before he made the gesture through Chelsea's communications director Simon Greenberg through Villa captain Gareth Barry.

Chelsea manager Avram Grant, who saw Carvalho's fellow defender Ashley Cole sent off for deliberate handball late on, was quick to defend his players.

Grant said: "For me what's important is Carvalho did not intend to hurt the player – I didn't see any intention.

"The red card was the decision of referee Phil Dowd and I respect it."

Grant will appeal against Cole's red card. The manager added: "I saw it again on TV and it was not a penalty."

Villa boss Martin O'Neill said: "He was sent off for a two-footed challenge.

"Reckless? I thought it was at the time – I haven't seen it back – but I thought it was a straightforward decision.

"It didn't catch him fully but it's a sending off offence.

"Remarkably, for what it's worth, he was last man, despite the fact Gabby might have another 40 yards to go or whatever the case may be.

"I haven't seen it back but I don't think there's any dispute about it. I think Carvalho is a brilliant player for what it's worth but it's a sending off offence."