Shamrock Rovers boss Stephen Bradley could not hide his frustration at Ronan Finn's red card in a fiery Dublin derby at Dalymount Park on Sunday.
Bohemians edged the FAI Cup clash 2-1 thanks to Andy Lyons' late strike, but Bradley was left fuming over a second-half flashpoint that saw Finn pick up a second yellow and Bohs striker Georgie Kelly receive a straight red.
"I think the referee has evened it up for no reason," he said.
"When you watch it back, Ronan and their player come together in the box. Ronan gets up and get punched in the face.
"The ref said Ronan had him by the throat. If you see it back, as Ronan is getting up their player is actually facing away from Ronan, so it was impossible. He's turned and hit him. I think the referee has evened it up for no reason."
Rovers exited the Europa Conference League midweek after defeat to Flora Tallinn but Bradley said the league leaders can't dwell on a disappointing few days.
"I thought it was a poor game to be honest in general, scrappy from both teams, not much quality. We were disappointed especially with the second goal we gave away - really poor from our point of view.
"We don't get to the ball on the edge and we get punished for it.
"We have to take it. It's reality, you have to take it. We got beaten. You have to accept it and you have to make sure we're refocused to win what was the number one target, which is the league."
Bohs manager Keith Long was however, understandably thrilled with his team's display.
They progressed to the quarters of the cup in front of a raucous home crowd, with Long savouring a sweet success.
"I don't think Andy will hit a better shot off his left foot. He drove at the space and just let go from the edge of the box. It's a good feeling to be into the next round.
"It's a derby, two proud clubs, big history, big tradition, both sets of players fully committed. That's what you expect.
"We're into the next round... let's see what the draw brings. The players enjoyed it. It's great for the supporters.
"It's a partisan, loyal crowd. They can identify and relate to the team. They can see the effort the boys put in but also the quality we have. We're an exciting team to watch and we're glad we sent the supporters home happy."
Meanwhile, Bohemians' Premier Division fixture against Derry, originally scheduled for this Friday, 3 September, has been postponed due to international call-ups and will be rescheduled in due course.
