Stoke defender Robert Huth thinks referee Mike Dean was influenced by the Portsmouth crowd when he sent off Andy Wilkinson on Saturday.
Wilkinson received a second yellow card for a seemingly innocuous challenge on Aruna Dindane in the 73rd minute, with Huth of the opinion the Fratton Park crowd played a part in his team mate's dismissal.
He said: "I thought at the time he was going to give the foul to us,
"The ref got excited when the crowd got on his case and gave the second yellow card, which shocked everyone."
However, the Potters still managed to take all three points thanks to a stoppage time winner from midfielder Salif Diao.
Huth admits he was as surprised to see the holding midfielder grab a goal as he was to see Wilkinson handed his marching orders.
He added: "Salif is supposed to give us protection, so to pop up with the winner for us is great.
He's not a natural finisher, but it's great for him and for us.
"I'm surprised he didn't have a nose bleed or feel a bit dizzy after that."