Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish feels Arsenal captain Robin van Persie conned his players during this week's defeat.
The Midlanders lost 2-1 on Wednesday and had right-back Alan Hutton, 27, sent off for two quick-fire yellow cards in stoppage time.
Hutton lost his head during a furious confrontation with Van Persie.
While the Gunners hitman was not directly involved in either booking, McLeish is in no doubt who lit the former Tottenham star's fuse.
Big Eck claimed: "They conned him. Van Persie was waving to him as he went down the tunnel.
"Maybe the Arsenal player lured him into it. I didn't think he'd get conned like that.
"Alan was disappointed in himself and apologetic - he was probably trying to get out of a fine! But I can't afford to lose my experienced players."
McLeish claims his Villa men could learn from the Arsenal hotshot.
He added: "That side of Van Persie's game doesn't disappoint me, no. It's called being streetwise.
"If you're winding someone up and they get sent off - and you've reduced the opposition's resources and your team wins - you've done a good job." "Alan was conned and he should be experienced enough to just laugh in his face and walk away.
