Fabio Capello launched a stinging attack on Slovenian referee Damir Skomina for the red card debacle that helped wreck England's 100% World Cup record following the 1-0 defeat in the Ukraine.
Robert Green eventually became the first England goalkeeper to be dismissed for bringing down Artem Milevskiy, but only after a protracted debate which started when Skomina showed a red card to Rio Ferdinand.
It took the intervention of the fourth official to get the verdict right.
However, the mere fact it happened raised doubt in Capello's mind that Skomina could have seen it clearly.
"It was a big mistake," said Capello.
"Normally I don't speak about referees. This time I am changing my mind.
"Rio was running, the goalkeeper is diving. I need someone to explain to me how he can get that wrong.
"I spoke with the fourth official when the referee showed Rio the red card. He said he would tell the referee it was not Rio.
"The referee thought Rio had fouled the player but it so obviously was not him."
Capello confronted Skomina at the final whistle, although by then he was also contemplating his first defeat in a competitive game as England coach.
To the untrained eye, it looked a pretty dire display defensively at least.
Ferdinand's catalogue of recent mistakes continued when he allowed Milevskiy to charge straight through the centre of England's defence, the incident that left Green little alternative other than to make his fateful challenge.
Then Ashley Cole lost possession close to the penalty area and in his desperation to make amends, succeeded only in turning Serhiy Nazarenko's shot past David James.
Given Glen Johnson was also shaky and skipper John Terry had his struggles as well, Capello might have been downhearted at the final whistle.
In fact, the Italian could only talk of his pride at such a battling 10-man display.
"I am proud of my team," he said.
"In the second half we played very well and created a lot of chances, right until the very last minute."
