Cole to appeal red card

Chelsea defender Ashley Cole has lodged a claim for wrongful dismissal with the Football Association following his red card in yesterday's 4-4 draw with Aston Villa.

The England international was sent off for apparently handling 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.

A statement from the FA said: "The FA has received a claim for wrongful dismissal from Chelsea's Ashley Cole.

"Cole was shown a red card for the denial of an obvious goal scoring opportunity during Chelsea's game against Aston Villa on Wednesday, December 26.

"A Regulatory Commission will consider the claim on Friday, December 28."