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Premier League: Chelsea captain John Terry claims he was 'headlocked' in clash at Manchester United

Manchester United's Chris Smalling wrestles with Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic in the penalty area during the Barclays Premier League match at Old Trafford,
Image: Terry and Ivanovic: Had penalty claims turned down

Chelsea captain John Terry has claimed he and fellow defender Branislav Ivanovic were "double headlocked at every corner" during the Premier League leaders' 1-1 draw against Manchester United on Sunday.

Chelsea remain unbeaten and four points clear of second-placed Southampton, but they were denied an eighth win from nine matches by Robin van Persie's injury-time equaliser which cancelled out Didier Drogba's header.

Van Persie's goal came after Ivanovic had been sent off by referee Phil Dowd for two bookable offences after twice fouling United winger Angel di Maria.

Image: John Terry claims he and fellow defender Branislav Ivanovic were 'headlocked'

But Terry suggested on Instagram that it was the Chelsea right-back and himself who were sinned against, rather than sinners.

Terry wrote: "It shows how well we are playing when you come away from Old Trafford disappointed with one point.

"Frustrated not to come away with three points. Thanks to all the travelling fans for your great support.

"#JtandIVAgotdoubleheadlockedfromeverycorner."

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Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho was upset at the decision to send off Ivanovic and felt his side should have had a penalty for a foul on the Serbian by United defender Chris Smalling.

He said after the game: "The red card, I was seeing it coming. If I have to speak about the second yellow I have to speak about lots of things.

John Terry tangles in the penalty area with Marcos Rojo
Image: Terry: Tangles in the penalty area with Marcos Rojo

"The penalty that Ivanovic should have been given (after wrestling with Smalling), the accumulation of yellow cards, the throw-ins. I know I speak always with my heart and get in trouble."

Former Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino also entered the debate by calling for more penalties to be awarded to stop 'grappling' in the box.

Cascarino told the Morning View on Sky Sports News HQ that Chelsea should have been awarded two spot-kicks against United when Terry and Ivanovic were 'wrestled' to the ground.

"It’s quite clear that this type of incident is grappling and stopping people being able to score.

“Phil Dowd (referee) was perfectly placed there. He has to see that Terry and Ivanovic are being fouled and grappled to the ground, it was like a wrestling match."