Michael Essien's red card late in Chelsea's 1-0 win over Fulham was a harsh decision according to manager Carlos Ancelotti.
The Ghanaian midfielder, who had earlier received a caution after his 30th minute goal, was sent off in the dying stages of the SW6 derby at Stamford Bridge for a reckless two-footed challenge on Clint Dempsey.
But Ancelotti thought that Essien was all about winning the ball and questioned whether or not his player should have received the red.
"I don't like to judge the decision," said Ancelotti. "But I can say that maybe it was not a red card because Essien made a strong tackle, but on the ball.
"There was not a risk on the opponent. I think he went for the ball, the last ball of the game, an important ball.
"I don't think he did a silly foul. He tried to do a tackle, he won the tackle. And I'm not sure it was a sending-off.
"I'd like to see it again but directly, on the pitch, I didn't think it was a dangerous tackle. I hope we won't lose him for three games. That would be a problem if we lose him for three games. We have to wait, I think. I want to watch the replay before doing anything."
However, Fulham boss Mark Hughes believes referee Martin Atkinson got it correct.
"The guy has jumped in with two feet, so it's a straight red," declared Hughes.
