Arsenal defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos insists didn't deserve his dismissal in their Europa League defeat to Rennes.

The Gunners slumped to a 3-1 loss in the first leg of their round of 16 clash, with Sokratis dismissed for two first-half yellow cards.

"Of course we are disappointed because the first half we started to play good, we had control of the game but after the decision of the referee changed the game," he said.

"It is difficult to play with 10 players. I think the referee gave me two easy yellow cards. Both were too easy.

"The first, I didn't touch him and the second is too easy, you know? In the end, 3-1, we need to score two goals at home and I think we can do it.

"He (referee Ivan Kruzliak) has to explain to us. For this, sometimes it is better if they put in VAR and this helps the referee a little bit more. The decision was very bad. Both of these two were not a yellow.

"Of course, with the VAR there, yes, (I wouldn't have been sent off). I don't criticise the referee but maybe if the VAR is coming, it can help. He can make mistakes, like we can."