Once again, Arsenal are left to contemplate a Champions League exit at the Nou Camp and this time they have cause for complaint after referee Massimo Busacca harshly sent Robin van Persie off for two yellow cards.

The first booking was for a stupid foul by the striker, although the second was for kicking the ball away when it appeared the Dutchman was taking a shot and failed to hear the whistle.

Arsene Wenger was fuming after the final whistle and claims the Gunners were denied victory.

“We would have won that game,” the Arsenal manager said. “I felt that Barcelona gave a lot in the first half of the game but in the second half we felt there was more space. I felt that, like in the first game, we would have come back into it and overall I am convinced we would have won this game.

“I think two kinds of people can be unhappy: those who love Arsenal and those who love football can be frustrated with the referee’s decision because it’s very difficult to understand his attitude. How can you kill a football game like that?”