Striker Thompson, a summer signing from Cardiff, became involved in a confrontation with Mills in the 12th minute which saw both men booked.

Shortly after the half-hour mark, the pair clashed again and Thompson's challenge on the former Manchester City defender led to referee Steve Bennett showing the Scot a second yellow card.

It was not what Coyle – who was appointed as Clarets manager a year ago to the day – had in mind as his high-flying side sought to enhance their promotion credentials.

Coyle, who will now be without Thompson through suspension at Barnsley tonight, said: "I can see why Thommo was sent off.

"He was late getting over to the challenge but I don't think he actually caught the lad.

"But the player (Mills) that Thompson fouled shouldn't have been on the pitch at the time.

"For me, he did the worst tackle in the game on Chris Eagles and the referee gave a free-kick. He stayed on and then got a yellow card in his tangle with Thompson – but it should have been his second yellow card. But I'm not getting away from the fact that Thommo shouldn't have been so rash in his challenge."

The Clarets began the game in fourth spot after beating QPR at Loftus Road last Saturday.

But they met stubborn resistance from a Rovers outfit who dominated the second half and were unfortunate not to win.

Last week's 1-0 win over Ipswich breathed new life into Doncaster's campaign and their commitment to a patient, passing game was obvious.

Rovers largely outplayed Burnley and should have won comfortably after spurning a series of second-half chances. Paul Heffernan, Brian Stock and Jason Price all went close and Clarets goalkeeper Brian Jensen made a number of fine saves.

"We kept possession of the ball well and competed well against arguably the form team of the league, but we just missed that killer touch," added Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll.

Coyle added: "I stressed all week that this was a good Doncaster side. When it's 11 versus 11 they are good, never mind 10 versus 11."

Burnley: Jensen, Alexander, Carlisle, Caldwell, Jordan, Elliott (Mahon 34), Gudjonsson (Duff 79), McCann, Eagles, Blake (Akinbiyi 58), Thompson. Unused substitutes: Penny, Paterson.

Doncaster: Sullivan, O'Connor, Mills, Martis, Chambers, Price (Coppinger 72), Wellens, Stock, Hird (Hayter 38), Guy (Heffernan 72), Woods. Unused substitutes: Spicer, Taylor. Booked: Mills, Woods.

Referee: S Bennett (Kent).

Man of the match: Brian Jensen.