Speaking on Setanta Sports' Football Matters, Graham Poll backed up Howard Webb's decision to send off Arsenal's Emmanuel Adebayor against Liverpool - but it was his analysis of John Terry's red card at Everton that angered the Gunners boss Arsene Wenger.
The former FIFA referee suggested officials could be influenced by the publicity that comes with sending off the England captain.
"For me it was embarrassing when you listen to that," Wenger said.
"They ask whether it was a sending-off or not. He says you have to consider that you are sending off the captain of the national team.
"What has that got to do with the rulebook? The rulebook doesn't look at passports. When you listen to that it is embarrassing for the referees.
"Is it a sending-off or not? Are you from England or not from England? Are you 17 or 30? It has nothing to do with that.
"It is a big concern when you hear the national number one referee talk like that."
Wenger admits his faith in referees has been tested by Poll's comments.
"I do not think (they are talking reputations into account) but when I hear statements like that, it makes you change your mind," the Frenchman added.