Darren Pratley opened the scoring for the Swans in the 12th minute, only for a strike from Joe Ledley and a penalty from Ross McCormack either side of the break to give the Bluebirds a precious lead at the Liberty Stadium.

But three minutes after going ahead, the visitors had captain McPhail sent off for a second bookable offence, before substitute Gorka Pintado then volleyed a 71st-minute equaliser.

Although Leon Britton then saw red for the Swans, Jones was adamant playing almost the entire second half with only 10 men cost his side dearly.

"It took us a while to get into the game and a lack of discipline has probably cost us all three points as the last thing you want to do against a passing side is to go down to 10 men," said the Bluebirds boss.

"It was a fantastic game but the referee made some strange decisions and didn't seem to understand it was a derby match. But it was a fantastic advert for Welsh football."