Wenger fumes over red card

Furious Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is "convinced" his side would have won their Champions League last-16 clash with Barcelona had Robin van Persie not been controversially sent off on Tuesday night.

Swiss referee Massimo Busacca controversially sent off Van Persie for a second yellow after he had a shot on goal after the whistle had blown and awarded Barca the penalty which won them the tie during an exhilarating second leg clash at the Nou Camp.

Arsenal failed to register a shot all night and had just 31% possession, but Wenger said: "I felt Barca gave a lot in the first half. We were completely dominated, I agree with that. "But in the second half we felt there was more space, I knew that like the first game we could come back into the game and overall I'm convinced we would have won this game."

He added: "I think two kinds of people will be unhappy - those who love Arsenal, and those who love the game.

"We are frustrated with his decision. It is very difficult to understand his attitude.

"We lost against a very good Barca side, congratulations to them and good luck for the future.

"But we have many regrets tonight because we didn't expect to lose the game like that. I feel sorry for the people who watched the game tonight."

Wenger confirmed he spoke with the official - and UEFA representatives - but said: "I think he must think that he made the right decision.

"I just spoke to UEFA people. They are shocked as well because it killed a promising, fantastic football match.

"What for? If it's a bad tackle or a second bookable offence okay, but frankly it is embarrassing."