Off: Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta appeals to match referee Chris Foy after being sent-off (Picture: PA)

Mikel Arteta has slammed the decision to send him off in Arsenal’s victory at Crystal Palace.

The Spanish midfielder was shown a straight red card by referee Chris Foy for denying Marouane Chamakh ‘a clear goalscoring opportunity’, despite the former Gunners’ striker being 40-yards from goal.

Arteta will now miss Arsenal’s Capital One Cup clash against Chelsea in midweek, and the 31-year-old is clearly aggrieved with the decision.

He said: ‘It was a very harsh decision to send me off. Chamakh kicks my fight foot.


‘I have seen it on television. It is 40 yards away from goal too.



‘It is true that I tried to block him with my hand but then he came with his left foot into my right calf and then we were both on the floor. It was never a tackle from me.’

Goal-hero: Arteta had earlier given Arsenal the lead from the spot (Picture: AFP/Getty Images)

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger was also less than impressed with the decision, but will not appeal as he admits he had no intention of including Arteta against Chelsea anyway.

The Frenchman is, however, ready for the big tests ahead, with games against the Blues, Liverpool, Manchester United and Dortmund next up for his side.

‘The only thing we can do is win our games,’ Wenger said.

‘The only thing which is important is every win makes you a bit stronger and strengthens the belief.

‘We have difficult games coming up, and that will be a good test, but I am confident.’