Fuming Kenny Miller blasted Willie Collum for the "horrendous decision" to send off Motherwell's Bevis Mugabi inside the first minute.
But the pundit held his hands up after seeing a replay of the challenge, despite insisting the decision was made too early.
The Ugandan international was dismissed just seconds into the Scottish Cup quarter-final clash with Hibs for a lunging tackle on Josh Doig, who was forced off injured.
But the former Rangers and Celtic striker insisted that Collum was too quick with his card as he lamented that the decision had spoiled the game.
Speaking on co-commentary on the BBC Miller said: "A minute into the game Willie has to be absolutely certain that this is a red card.
"It did look high, it did look reckless and dangerous so if we get a replay we'll be able to get a better view."
On seeing the challenge again though the former Scotland international wasn't having the decision.
Miller fumed: "I think that is a harsh decision.
"It's not excessive force, he's not coming into it fast, he's not high. For me that's a HORRENDOUS decision from Willie Collum. So, so harsh on Mugabi.
"Is it late? Yes it is. Has he caught the player? He absolutely has. But is he reckless?
"I think in the early stages of the game that's a massive decision and it's going to impact the result, probably, and the outcome of this game.
"I think you need to be absolutely certain and I'm sure in Willie's eyes he is but I think it might be a little bit harsh at that stage of the game to give that as a red card.
"Do you know what? I'll retract my 'horrendous decision from Willie Collum' after seeing it again because I think different referees will see that in a different light: some might give it as a yellow, some might give it as the red.
"I just think this early in the game, we're looking forward to this game and it's changed the whole balance, the whole momentum, of how this game is going to be played out now."
And Miller was left raging again when striker Jordan Roberts was only booked for a similar tackle.
He said: "I don't see the difference! Can he send two players off in six minutes?
"It's identical. It is identical!
"This is the thing that coaches, managers and players: all they're asking for is consistency. Whether the red is right or the yellow is wrong it doesn't matter - that is an identical challenge, but two different outcomes.
"If anything I think that's maybe a little bit more studs up. A little bit more than the Mugabi one was."
