Cardiff boss Malky Mackay unhappy with referee Mike Dean

Cardiff City manager Malky Mackay criticised referee Mike Dean for denying his side an equaliser in their 1-0 Carling Cup semi-final first-leg defeat by Crystal Palace.

The Scot was unhappy at Dean's decision to rule out Kenny Miller's header in the 59th minute at Selhurst Park.

Dean had already blown for a foul on Palace goalkeeper Julian Speroni.

"He's had an absolute howler," said Mackay. "Anyone that will see the pictures will probably tell you that."

He added: "Not one of our players has gone anywhere near the goalkeeper, which is what he's suggested the foul was for.

"I've looked at it again and again. Maybe he has got in his mind he should have given a goal-kick rather than a corner and tried to rectify that.

"You don't level one thing up with another... play goes on. So I'm disappointed with that.

Anthony Gardner's 43rd-minute header gives Palace the advantage going into the second leg on Tuesday, 24 January.

Mackay was also unable to hide his disappointment at the manner of Palace's winner.

He said: "We knew the aerial threat that they would pose in terms of the size of some of their players and eventually Darren Ambrose would put a nice ball in."

Mackay believes his side can overturn the deficit and reach the final against Manchester City or Liverpool, who meet in the first leg of the second semi-final on Wednesday.

"There's still all to play for," said Mackay. "To a man we were tremendous tonight and overall I'm very proud of them.

"We started very well and really peppered their goal. At times they led a charmed life.

"I thought we dominated play, were very bright and had countless chances, but it's only half-time now.

"We'll bring them back to Cardiff City Stadium and we're going to have a right good go, don't worry about that.

"It's pleasing we looked like the home team, looked like the team more likely to score. That'll give us great hope going back to our stadium."