No Terry apology over Milner tackle

Chelsea captain John Terry has not apologised to midfielder James Milner for his controversial Wembley challenge, despite calls for him to do so from Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill.

Terry was booked for his high tackle on Milner during the second half of their 3-0 FA Cup semi-final victory on Saturday, a challenge labelled "horrendous" by O'Neill after the game. The Chelsea defender tried to speak to his England colleague after the game but found Villa's dressing room locked.

Terry and Milner exchanged a number of text messages on Sunday night but it is understood the Chelsea player did not feel the need to say sorry and a spokesman for Chelsea said: "They texted each other on Sunday night and John was checking to see if he was okay. He didn't say sorry."

Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti said: "I think the yellow card was right. I saw the tackle on the television. John touched the ball before making contact with Milner.

"I know that Terry called Milner and, for Milner, it was okay. I think the decision of the referee was right. It was a yellow card. The rules say that, if you have the intention to touch the ball, it's not a red card.

"I know he tried to speak with Milner after the game on Saturday. He went to their locker room but it was locked.

"For him, I don't think it was a problem to say sorry. It was just a tackle. I know O'Neill was upset but there's no news."

Meanwhile, Ancelotti's side are now favourites to become the seventh club in history to achieve the League and FA Cup double.

Manchester United's goalless draw with Blackburn on Sunday left Chelsea a point ahead at the summit with a game in hand. That was enough to prompt Sir Alex Ferguson to launch his latest version of mind games by suggesting that the title was now Chelsea's to lose.

"I hope that Alex is correct," Ancelotti added. "Maybe before you can say it will be easy, but I haven't played an easy game this season."