Brighton boss Graham Potter says Aaron Mooy's red card was a major factor in his side's cruel defeat at Aston Villa.
But he added he was proud of their efforts and performance in a 2-1 reverse.
Mooy saw red when Albion led through an Adam Webster header and Jack Grealish then levelled in first-half added time.
Albion head coach Potter said: "It's a painful one, that is for sure. They gave everything and, when it happens in that manner, with the last kick, it is particularly heart-wrenching for the players.
In the context of the game, the sending-off has a big influence.
Until that, we were the better team, controlled the game and were deservedly 1-0 up.
Then the sending-off means the crowd get involved and Villa Park was lively today and got behind the team."
