The Blues were on the wrong end of more penalty controversy as they earned a share of the spoils in the derby clash.

Alex McLeish’s side had been beaten by a hotly disputed spot-kick in the corresponding fixture last season.

This time Villa skipper Nigel Reo-Coker appeared to control the ball with his arm inside the box just before half-time – but the visitors’ penalty appeals were rejected by referee Howard Webb.

Blues defender Scott Dann was booked for bringing down Clark.

McLeish brought on the fit-again Jerome for Hleb with 18 minutes remaining. He was quickly involved in the action and got to the by-line but failed to pick out Zigic with his cross.

Villa appealed half-heartedly for a penalty after the ball bounced up off Clark and struck Gardner on the arm but it would have been harsh to award a spot-kick.

Reo-Coker was yellow carded after appearing to kick out at Gardner after being fouled.

Foster parried away a Bannan drive after good play by Heskey. John Carew came on for Reo-Coker with eight minutes remaining to give support to Heskey.