Roma boss Fabio Capello left Highbury fuming after seeing Francesco Totti sent-off for what he described as a fantastic piece of acting by Arsenal defender Martin Keown.

The Roma captain was dismissed in the 22nd minute for elbowing Keown, even though television pictures confirmed that there was minimal contact.

Despite losing the influential Totti, ten-men Roma battled back to secure a 1-1 draw.

“I have seen the replay and Totti just put his hand up, he hardly touched his face,” said Capello.

“The referee should just have warned him. Keown was a fantastic actor.

“We will have to consider whether to appeal. It depends if Uefa is going to look at the television proof but I beg people to look at the video again

“Totti jumps up and sticks out his hand but it certainly isn’t his elbow. He literally just touches the side of his face with his hand.

“I repeat that the defender was an excellent actor.

“Keown just did what he wanted and managed to get Totti sent off. This time, English football has failed to show good sportsmanship.

“You are trying to teach others lessons but this time you have failed. The English are always saying that Italians throw themselves to the ground but this time we have swapped over.”

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger confessed he was surprised Totti was shown the red card.

“I saw Martin Keown go down then I saw thered card and I was surprised. Maybe it was an accident, I don’t know,” he said.