BURNLEY had to settle for a point from their final home game of the season after twice letting a lead slip against FA Cup finalists Cardiff, who had Darren Purse sent off in stoppage time.

Graham Alexander put the Clarets in front in the 37th minute by rounding off an impressive build-up that he had been involved in with a left-foot volley from Andrew Cole's flick-on.

Andrew Cole added a second nine minutes into the second half from close range, after being picked out by Ade Akinbiyi.

Cardiff pulled a goal back from the penalty spot when Stephen Jordan was adjudged to have tripped Trevor Sinclair, and substitute Joe Ledley sent Brian Jensen the wrong way.

Right back Alexander turned from hero to villain after giving the ball away close to his own 18-yard box and Aaron Ramsey rifled in an unstoppable equaliser on 69 minutes.

Eighteen-year-old Alex MacDonald made his Burnley debut after replacing Wade Elliott with 11 minutes to go, and the youngster contributed to what appeared to be a late winner for Clarke Carlisle as he knocked Robbie Blake's corner into the six-yard box at the far post, and Carlisle headed home.

But Steven Thompson made it 3-3 in the last minute.

The drama didn't end there, however, as Purse was sent off in stoppage time for a lunge at Cole.

The Burnley striker went off the pitchand then ran towards the tunnel to receive treatment, only to be followed by members of both side's benches while the game continued.

A convoy of stewards and police officers went to investigate, but returned to the pitchside almost immediately.