Hamilton boss Stuart Taylor says referee John Beaton gave Kilmarnock a Christmas present to get them back into the game before they went on to win 3-1 at New Douglas Park.
Accies were leading 1-0 through Ronan Hughes before Killie's controversial penalty award for an an apparent hand-ball allowed Callum Hendry to level. Chris Stokes and Fraser Murray then stretched the visitors' lead.
The hosts then had successive penalties from Andy Ryan and David Moyo saved by Zach Hemming, who was then sent off for a foul on Ryan, and Josh Mullin pulled a goal back for Accies with a superb free kick.
Taylor says he needs clarification on what constitutes a penalty, saying his player had his hands inside his body frame when the controversial decision was given.
But he also says Accies can't miss two penalties and still deserve to take anything from the game.
He said: "You get a massive boost when you get your Christmas present, don't you, and Killie certainly got a Christmas present today. It's OK shrugging it off, but it's not a shrug-off comment, and these massive decisions influence games.
"It certainly influenced this game, where Kilmarnock were a goal down and got a massive life-line. They've obviously taken their opportunity; we got two penalties and didn't convert them.
"They've got a lift out of that, kicked on from that and got their second goal, but it comes on the back of that little present.
"We need clarity, but if I go and say some things I might get into a little it of bother.
"I can give my opinion on it, and my opinion on it... in real-time it's difficult for referees, I totally get that, but that's what linesmen are there for, to help out.
"And in real time we could all see that the hand was within the body frame.
"When it leaves that body frame then you understand. It's still a little bit hard at times, but that's the rules, and if those rules have changed again, I'll need to check."
Taylor added: "They get a lift from that and it was a case of how we responded after that.
"In the second half we came out, they got their goal and from there I thought we did really well, in terms of being creative.
"We got two penalties, but it's not acceptable to win two penalties and not convert them - you don't deserve to win the game.
"Again, we had other good chances - David Moyo in the first half and Andy Ryan going through at the end of the game.
"We had opportunities to win the game, and to win the game clear, and we didn't take those opportunities.
"It's good that we're creating the chances, but disappointing that we're not turning them into goals."
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