Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones believes team-mate Paul McShane was harshly treated with his red card at Arsenal.
The Republic of Ireland international was dismissed by referee Rob Styles late in the game at the Emirates Stadium for an ugly challenge on Alexander Hleb.
However, team-mate Jones leapt to his defence after a pulsating game from which the visitors very nearly returned with an unlikely point.
He said: 'It wasn't intentional. Paul McShane is not one to come in and do something like that.
'I think it probably was a bit harsh, the sending-off, because the player was already on the floor before he even came into him.
'What can you do? We could appeal, but it's already happened. The decision-making was inconsistent. We had a few decisions that went against us.
'At the same time, cards were dealt out to us and when it was the other way around, they just had a slap on the wrist. But that's what happens when you come to these kind of matches.
'It is hard to take that, but it happens. We see it year after year. It is not up to players to change that. Unfortunately, we cannot do anything about that.'
Jones was not alone in believing McShane was unfortunate to receive a straight red card.
Defender Danny Collins added: 'I was a bit disappointed with the ref. I was the other side of the pitch and didn't really see it, but the lads who came in (to the dressing room) said Macca was perhaps a bit unlucky.
'One or two decisions could have gone our way. (Robin) van Persie should have been booked for nailing Ross (Wallace), and (Mathieu) Flamini came through me as well.'
The Black Cats returned from north London with mixed emotions after recovering from a dreadful start to make Arsenal work for a 3-2 win which was only secured 10 minutes from time.
