The Ulsterman will weigh up the possibility of an appeal is considering an appeal for the red card shown to Zat Knight as he claims there was only minimal contact with Ballack.

Said O´Neill: "Zat Knight's sending off was a major moment. I've seen it a couple of times now and while I'm aware that I have the benefit of replays I will look at it again."

"I might appeal and we have until noon on Thursday to do so. It wasn't a penalty. The Chelsea player went over and there was no contact. That's my view - it wasn't a penalty."

O´Neill was angered by the free-kick awarded for Martin Laursen's tackle on Joe Cole.

"The free-kick they got with three minutes to go was not a free-kick," said O´Neill. It didn't look like it could be possible. I've seen it again since but how did I feel at the time that he might just give it? He did.

"The referee was in a position to get that one right because he was on the spot."

Villa skipper Gareth Barry bagged an injury-time penalty to secure a point for Villa.

Chelsea left back Ashley Cole was shown a red card for using his hand to stop Gabriel Agbonlahor's goalbound shot.

Cole´s sending off was the third red of three red cards in a brilliant and highly controversial game.

O'Neill added: "Thank God the linesman saw the penalty on the line and we got something. Cole handled the ball and it was clear cut."