City chief Mark Hughes expressed his disappointment that Arsene Wenger refused to shake his hand at the end of the Carling Cup quarter final.

The Arsenal boss disappeared down the tunnel at the end of his side’s comprehensive 3-0 defeat without the customary acknowledgment of his opposite number.

Wenger’s quickstep into the CoMs tunnel left Hughes grasping fresh air as he went to offer thanks for what was a fast paced exciting last eight encounter settled only by three superb second half goals from the Blues.

He was more stunned than angry by the gesture after a game that was in no way contentious despite six yellow cards for the visitors and eight in all.

“I was a little bit surprised that Arsene didn’t shake hands at the end of the game,” declared the Blues boss.

“I have been to the Emirates and been beaten 6-2 and I seem to recall that I shook his hand at the end. That’s what you have to be; you have to be a little bit gracious in defeat and victory.

“I like to think that I am. On this occasion Arsene wasn’t.”