Besiktas vs Arsenal: Arsene Wenger hits out at Aaron Ramsey red card decision

Midfielder was dismissed after two yellow cards

Aaron Ramsey exits the pitch after receiving his marching orders (EPA)

Arsene Wenger bemoaned the decision to send Aaron Ramsey off, depriving him of his leading midfielder for next week's crucial Champions League second leg against Besiktas.

"It was wrong, and it was a huge decision," Wenger said of the two yellows, while admitting the match was not easy to officiate for Milorad Mazic. "I felt just a lot was wrong in the second half but, overall, it was a difficult game maybe to referee as well. Everybody did fight for every ball. Maybe it was not easy for the referee as well."

Wenger was frustrated that Demba Ba fouled Mikel Arteta, leaving the Arsenal captain in a protective boot afterwards. "I think it was a very bad challenge, but the referee was on the pitch and didn't make anything of it," Wenger said. "I think in the second half the performance of the referee was very bad."

Arsenal play Everton on Saturday and Wenger hopes to have his German World Cup winners, including Per Mertesacker, fit again.

Ramsey pulls back Ozyakup to earn his second yellow (EPA)

"We are a bit short at the back, yes you're right. I'm worried. But we should have Mertesacker and Ozil and Podolski available again at the weekend. Let's hope they are in good shape when we go home."