Olexandr Aliyev was sent off seconds later for clashing with referee Alain Hamer as Dynamo Kiev protested that Fabregas had reacted before they were ready.

William Gallas was called back by Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger after being stripped of the captaincy for publicly criticizing his team-mates.

But the 31-year-old almost compounded his recent problems by gifting Dynamo a goal after 37 minutes when his weak attempted back pass was pounced on by Ismael Bangoura, who shot against the post.

Bangoura hit the post for Dynamo in the first half and Manuel Almunia saved from Artem Milevskiy, but Arsenal were also wastefulin front of goal in a game which was closely fought throughout.

Cristiano Ronaldo came closest to a goal for United but his powerful drive from Wayne Rooney's lay-off was tipped onto the crossbar by Villarreal keeper Diego Lopez.

Joan Capdevila was given a red card for a challenge on Ronaldo eight minutes from time.

The controversial decision ensured a lively end to what had been a largely low-key encounter.

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