Having line-up his side in a 4-1-4-1 formation, with Michael Duff starting his first game since, ironically, Crystal Palace's trip to Burnley in September, and Graham Alexander playing in front of the back four, his plans were in tatters after only six minutes.

Carlisle was sent off for a professional foul on Scott Sinclair, and the Eagles proceeded to rack up a five-goal win.

But Coyle said of the red card decision: "We had a reasonable start to the game for the first few minutes, and we were unlucky not to score from our first set play.

"But the first goal and the sending off, the lad's five yards off-side when the ball's played through.

"The two centre backs should still have dealt with it, but because he's so far off-side, they've allowed the ball to bounce.

"I would hope that everyone's seen it, because the boy was that far off I thought he was behind Brian Jensen – that's how far up the park he was.

"The linesman's refused to put his flag up, and then Clarke's brought the lad down, and all of a sudden you're down to 10 men.

"It was just an incredible decision, and within the space of 30 seconds we've switched off at a corner, probably feeling sorry for ourselves.

"So we've lost two goals in a minute, and from then on Crystal Palace's tails were up, they knew then they were in an unassailable position, 2-0 up against 10 men, and they took it on from there."

A ninth sending off of the season was indicative of Burnley's fortunes, and Coyle added: "There are a lot of things you need in football; one's good players, two's a little bit of luck, or certainly not bad luck – you need to steer clear of injuries and suspensions, and equally you need your share of decisions.

"The referee was obviously guided by his assistant on the far side, but the decision was so wrong it was incredible, and there's no doubt that's had a big impact in the game, certainly not to the extent of losing the way we did, but it's put us on the back foot against 10 men, and you're always up against it from that moment on.

"We did have opportunities in the game, in the first half in particular. Julian Speroni had two or three good saves.

"I felt if we had got a goal at 2-0, we could have made a game of it. As it was it was a really soft goal for the third."

There were plus points on the day though, the 20-minute cameo of Alex MacDonald, and Duff having the boost of a first team return: "I thought young Alex MacDonald did well.

"It was important to get him on and he looked lively, and that was pleasing.

"If there's anything you can take from it that's probably the only thing.

"Michael Duff came through the game, he played 90 minutes.

"He's obviously going to need a real good pre-season behind him, there's no doubt about that, and I'm sure if he does that he'll be all the better for it."