Saturday 2 May 2015 20:19, UK
Sean Dyche admitted that Burnley's survival would be the stuff of "legend and folklore" after a 1-0 defeat at west Ham left them on the brink.
Mark Noble's penalty means the Clarets are bottom of the Premier League, eight points from safety and all-but relegated with just three games left to play
But a "realistic" Dyche said he was stunned by the decision of referee Jon Moss to send off Michael Duff for a challenge on Cheikhou Kouyate, Noble converting what proved a decisive spot-kick.
"I'm incredibly disappointed," Dyche told Sky Sports. "I don't think it needs to be a red. I'm shocked and I imagine Sam (Allardyce) was also surprised. It's a difficult division to be in when it's 11v11, let alone with 10.
"I think the measure of these decisions is when the crowd doesn't react. We're at West Ham, these are not always the most forgiving fans for the opposition and they were amazed."
Dyche also confirmed he spoke to referee Moss about the incident, who confirmed he believed that Duff had prevented a goalscoring opportunity - a decision that left the Burnley boss bemused.
"I went to see him (Moss) and he said he (Kouyate) was ready to score a goal and that's why he's sent him off," said Dyche.
"But I disagree. I can only assume he had a crystal ball and can see what he was going to do next.
"It's unfortunate having to speak about refereeing decisions at this stage of the season, but today it's gone against us.
"I thought it was a common sense moment. When it was a penalty, he gets booked; we all crack on with the rest of the game."
On Burnley's hopes of what would be a miraculous recovery, Dyche said: "That makes it a whole big mountain to climb now. You're going into myths, legends and folklores.
"I'm a realist. I don't do blind faith. Positive realities, I call it. I'm positive but there has to be a reality."
