Any defender would have done the same as Lewis Dunk in a similar position when he was sent off against Wolves, according to Alireza Jahanbakhsh.
With Fabio Silva through on goal, Dunk pulled his shirt and referee Jonathan Moss showed him a red card.
Jahanbakhsh has spoken to Dunk and says he is distraught, but the former AZ Alkmaar forward reckons if anyone is allowed to make a mistake it's the club's inspirational leader.
“He's one of the best centre-halves in this league and he deserves to be at the Euros this summer with England. He's had a good season and in his position most defenders would do the same thing on Sunday as it's a sudden reaction.
MA+ members & STH only - Log-in required
Log-in required
“He said that if he could go back he would probably let him go through on goal, but in those moments you have to make a decision. He has had an amazing season and if there’s a player at Brighton who is allowed to make a mistake it’s the skipper.
“He’s really beating himself up about it, so we want to make it right for him in the next couple of games.”
Wolves was Jahanbakhsh's first Premier League start since the home defeat against Arsenal in December and the 27-year-old was pleased to contribute to a fantastic opening 45 minutes for Albion.
“It was the first time in a while I have started a game and in the beginning it was a bit tough, but I settled into the game after about 15 minutes and found my rhythm.
“You have those extra nerves when you haven’t started a game for a little while. I have had a few good weeks and got on in games since returning from an injury. The last two or three games I have tried to do my thing.
“The first half against Wolves we dominated. We had more possession, created good chances and had decent combinations in the final third. It was a great header from the skipper to put us in the lead and he could have scored a second, but the goalkeeper pulled off a good save.
“The boys did a great job against Wolves when we went down to ten men as we held our defensive shape really well, but the ball fell for them and things happened that you can’t do much about. It’s a tough one.”