Reyes blasts 'ridiculous' booking

Jose Antonio Reyes has hit out at referee Herbert Fandel for the “ridiculous” booking which rules him out of Arsenal’s last European match at Highbury.

The Spain international is confident the Gunners can overcome his absence in their Champions League semi-final first leg against Villarreal in two weeks’ time but felt Fandel’s decision to show him a yellow card for time wasting in their quarter-final second leg against Juventus was unjustified.

“The yellow card was simply ridiculous,” Reyes told PA Sport.

“The referee made that call and it’s a blow because I was looking forward to playing against Villarreal.”

However, Reyes tried to take positives from the suspension.

“At least it will allow me to be fresh and calmer for the return leg and to help my team reach the final,” he said.

After helping the club reach the final four of Europe’s premier club competition for the first time, Reyes is confident the Gunners have the quality to go all the way.

“Our aim is to reach the Champions League final and win it,” he said.

“We’ve overcome difficult challenges and passed tests with flying colours, having beaten the likes of Real Madrid and Juventus along the way.

“We have to continue in the same line and I hope that we can keep our good form.”

Arsene Wenger’s men have looked impressive in Europe this season, setting a new Champions League record of eight successive clean sheets in the goalless draw in Turin.

“There’s really no secret to our success so far,” Reyes said.

“We work hard every day, we fight for every ball and I think when you do these things, you can’t go wrong.”

Reyes, who joined Arsenal from Sevilla in 2004, has already warned his team-mates not to underestimate their next European opponents, although he admitted he had expected to face Inter Milan next.

“It was surprising to see Villarreal through to the semi-final,” he said.

“But the truth is that in this competition the best teams progress and Villarreal were the better team just as we were against Juventus.”

The 22-year-old has been linked this season with a return to the Primera Liga, with Spanish giants Real Madrid reportedly keen to acquire his services.

“You never know what can happen,” he said.

“I am under contract with Arsenal and for the time being, I consider my future to be in London.

“Physically I feel great. Each day that goes by, I feel more in tune with my team-mates and that’s the most important thing for me right now.”