Eidur Gudjohnsen and Frank Lampard were united in condemning the red card.
Chelsea stars Eidur Gudjohnsen and Frank Lampard were united in condemning referee Terje Hauge for sending off Asier Del Horno in the UEFA Champions League defeat to Barcelona.
The Premiership leaders were beaten 2-1 by the Catalan club after losing the services of their Spanish full back for a clumsy foul on Lionel Messi in the first half.
Midfield duo Gudjohnsen and Lampard were disappointed that the red card was produced for the challenge.
"For me, it's just a foul," Icelandic ace Gudjohnsen, who was extremely impressive in a midfield role, told Sky Sports. "They clash basically.
"Messi makes a meal of it and the referee buckles under pressure."
Lampard felt similarly about the incident and stressed any malice would have been out of character for the defender.
"I haven't seen Del Horno do any crazy tackles or anything since he's been here," said the England midfielder.
"I don't expect him to start in such a big game."
