Crystal Palace boss Neil Warnock lamented Scott Dann's mistake that led to the only goal in his side's 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa on Tuesday.
The strike came when Dann needlessly chased a lumped ball out to the wing, deserting his central post -- and Villa's Christian Benteke picked his pocket and raced away to score.
Warnock labelled Dann Palace's outstanding player this term, but conceded the centre-back suffered "cruel punishment" for his error.
"I think he should have kicked it over the stand, and not be ashamed to do it," said Warnock of Dann's costly error. "Brede [Hangeland] could have come out as well, but these decisions they make, they stand or fall.
"It's unfortunate for Scotty because he's probably been our best player. It's a cruel punishment, but hopefully he'll learn by that: you can't score in row Z can you?
"I can't fault the effort, I thought we started really well, played some good stuff and created some good chances.
"You've got to make your own lucky really, and we just lacked that little bit of quality.
"I thought Benteke just held them together, it's nice to have that type of player.
"We are disappointed the way the goal was given away and they didn't have to work hard for their goal.
"It just wasn't to be tonight, just the gambling in the box, predators who latch onto knock-downs: they are the ones that count, and you've got to take advantage of opportunities like that."