Sunderland boss Roy Keane insists he wasn't sent off during their 5-0 defeat to Chelsea.

"I didn't swear at him or anything," said Keane. "All you want when you play one of the big boys is a bit of fairness and I don't think we got that today."

The Sunderland boss, however, was the picture of calm afterwards, accepting that his young side had been beaten by much the better team

He said: "Don't take anything away from Chelsea. There is no shame losing to a team like that.

"When you are 5-0 down with 35 minutes to go and Didier Drogba is warming up I wished someone would fast forward that clock.

"But my players kept going. It has been a tough week for us, particularly having to come to Chelsea after they had had a defeat. We knew there would be a reaction and unfortunately we were on the end of it.

"I've never had a problem in my career in praising the opposition.

"I wouldn't say I'm happy, I'm just not as angry. I'm relaxed.

"It has been a tough start to the season for us, a lot of new players.

"Chelsea would beat most teams coming here. It is a big ask and there's no harm and no shame losing to a top, top football team. I'll sleep quite well tonight.

"Good players like Deco and Frank Lampard open you up because they have got good touch and pace. They will be winning titles and European Cups over the next few years."