Bolton boss Owen Coyle has slammed the referee's decision to send off Gary Cahill in his side's 3-0 defeat at Tottenham.

The Trotters were 1-0 down at White Hart Lane after 15 minutes when Stuart Attwell adjudged Cahill to have denied a clear goalscoring opportunity from a foul on Scott Parker that occurred over 40 yards from goal.

"To say I am angry about it is a bit of an understatement," said Coyle. "I am totally bemused by the decision. Maybe it was a free kick or a yellow card, but not a red.

"If you understand the terminology it has to be a clear goalscoring opportunity. Scott Parker took a touch with his left foot, went out to the wing, 50 yards from goal.

"We had Zat Knight in the middle and other defenders coming back. There was nothing clear on a goalscoring opportunity. I think everyone in the stadium was baffled it was given."

Bolton are currently in 19th place in the Premier League on goal difference.