Paul Millar labelled Josh Rbinson's lunging tackle on Conor McMenamin as "a shocker" and one that should have earned the Crusaders defender a straight red card.
McMenamin's night was ended prematurely after Robinson caught the Northern Ireland winger on the ankle in the 85th minute.
Referee Raymond Crangle brandished a yellow card, with television replays suggesting the Crues defender was fortunate to remain on the pitch.
Read more: McMenamin savours 'feeling that never changes' after big win over Crues
Co-commentating on the BBC's coverage, Ballymena United manager David Jeffrey said if VAR was being used then Robinson would be taking an early shower.
And Glentoran assistant manager Millar insists it was "100 per cent" a red card.
"I thought it was a shocking tackle. A shocker," Millar told BBC Sportsound.
"He is in with the physio now but we will see how he is."
Asked if he thought Robinson's challenge was a red, Millar said: "Yeah, definitely. 100 per cent I thought it was a red.
"But, look, I am not a referee. I don't know how it looked on TV. Don't know what you thought. Sit on the fence if you want.
"But I thought it was a red."
McMenamin claimed the man of the match award. after a stellar display on Friday night. The Northern Ireland winger's performance was capped by a second half penalty that gave Glentoran the lead.
On the late challenge from Robinson, McMenamin said: "I just got a cut on my ankle. It was more of an impact. Hopefully it isn't as bad as I first thought."
Meanwhile, Crusaders midfielder Philip Lowry admitted teammate Robinson's tackle "didn't look great" when watched back on television, but he added: "I've seen it back and it doesn't look great.
"But in the heat of the moment, Conor skips past him and Josh lunges in. Knowing Josh, he can be a bit of a villain character at tines, but he would never go in to intentionally hurt anyone.
"I think he mistimed his challenge.It does look straight-legged and high in the replay. but we all wish Conor well. From our point of view Josh just mistimed it and caught him high.
"The referee and linesman were both on the scene and gave him a yellow, but it happened so quickly. Maybe if it went to VAR it would be borderline red.
"But we all wish Conor well."
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