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Chris Hughton was left behind after Sol Bamba's victory over a controversial goal in the 90th minute to help Cardiff defeat Brighton.
Neil Warnock, taking charge of his 100th game as a Cardiff manager, was among those who jumped for joy as Bamba attempted a close-range shot – striking in a crazy six-yard box in which the central defender seemed offside – took out the Bluebirds from the relegation zone.
The head of Brighton was less happy. "I do not think it seemed that Sol Bamba was offside – he was offside," said Hughton. "Referees have tough decisions to make, especially with Cardiff's style of play, but what you want them to do, is that they make the big decisions properly."
Callum Paterson of Cardiff canceled Lewis Dunk's effort before Brighton was crippled by Dale Stephens's dismissal in the 34th minute for a tough challenge against Greg Cunningham.
Cardiff let slip points through a goalless draw against the 10-man teams twice this season, but such riot was avoided this time during a frantic skirmish in goal. Bamba kicked over a post before Paterson's tracking effort was deflected off the crossbar. Finally, Bamba got up on his feet to go home.
The afternoon started so well for Brighton, Dunk approaching the English team by making a free kick in the sixth minute in the sixth minute of Solly March – his second goal in two games – after losing Bamba in the second post.
"In the old days, I would have taken the cane," Warnock said. "We worked on it every day this week, and then how long did it take? Six minutes.
Cardiff was moody throughout the first quarter and March and Glenn Murray failed to extend the Brighton advantage when he was well placed. But Cardiff found balance after 28 minutes when Kadeem Harris's cross looked the best way to beat Gaëtan Bong and Paterson found himself close to net for his third goal in four games.
Joe Ralls saw his volley held by Mathew Ryan, but Cardiff received an open invitation to take over when Stephens saw red. The Brighton midfielder chased a loose ball and sent Cunningham into the air.
Martin Atkinson was not hesitant to brandish a red card. "Dale gave the referee a decision to make," said Hughton. "I do not think that there was a good contact with the player, and on other occasions, I think the referee would not have given the red card."
Cardiff dominated ball possession and territory after the break, but did not change much until Harris hit the bar with a curling effort near the hour.
The Brighton box is under increasing pressure, but Cardiff loses his captain, Sean Morrison, after a clash of heads.
Morrison seemed to be stunned after being treated, but he stayed on the pitch for several minutes before being replaced – something the Football Association could still investigate about concussion protocols.
Brighton threatened when Jose Izquierdo forced Neil Etheridge to make a full stop, but Cardiff's perseverance paid off as Bamba earned his second victory of the season.
I am so happy for Sol, "said Warnock. "He came here for a free transfer and, since the first day, a real breath of fresh air."
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