London, Mar 1 : Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has slammed referee Phil Dowd for his side's Carling Cup final defeat against Manchester United at Wembley.

Villa won a penalty when Vidic fouled striker Gabriel Agbonlahor, but while Dowd awarded the penalty, he failed even to book the Serbian.

"It was plain for all to see. It''s an inexplicable decision. There was a goalscoring opportunity in the area. It was a mistake from an otherwise very fine referee. There''s no other decision," The Sun quoted O'Neill, as saying.

"It''s the major point of the match. Anybody would be wondering how he could come to any other conclusion. It doesn''t matter whether it''s the first or 90th minute. It is straightforward - so straightforward it is incredible. It''s hard to take."

"I thought we played splendidly, particularly in the first half. I''m disappointed for the team but they''re resilient, they''re strong, they''re young and they will fight back," he added.

When told that his centre-back Richard Dunne said it may not have made a difference as United were just as good with 10 men at Villa Park, O''Neill said: "Richard''s a great lad - and I totally disagree with him."

"It''s a different game, you are talking about Wembley and all that goes with Wembley on one particular match. I''d have to disagree. It''s not often I disagree with him this season," he added. (ANI)