With his team already 1-0 down, Coyle watched on in dismay as Attwell showed a straight red card to Cahill for bringing down Scott Parker on the left flank just over the halfway line in the 17th minute.
Attwell, famed for his decision to allow Reading a "ghost goal" that never went anywhere near the posts at Watford, today judged that Cahill had denied a clear goalscoring opportunity when he hacked Parker down at least 40 yards from goal, even though Bolton had plenty of cover in the box.
Coyle, who is already under pressure after a poor start to the season, was furious with Attwell over the red card and marched across the turf at White Hart Lane to confront the official at half-time.
And the Scot did not hold back on his criticism of Attwell after the game.
"To say I am angry about it is a bit of an understatement," he said.
"I am totally bemused by the decision. Maybe it was a free kick or a yellow card, but not a red.
"If you understand the terminology it has to be a clear goalscoring opportunity. Now Scott Parker is a fantastic player but he took a touch with his left foot, went out to the wing, 50 yards from goal. We had Zat Knight in the middle and other defenders coming back.
"So there was nothing clear on a goalscoring opportunity. I think everyone in the stadium was baffled it was given."
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp agreed with his opposite number, saying: "I thought the sending-off was harsh. I was shocked when they gave him a red card.
"I was surprised the lad got a red when Scotty was so far away from goal."
Gareth Bale had already tapped home from a Luka Modric corner by the time Cahill saw red, and from that point onwards Spurs ran riot.
Aaron Lennon doubled Tottenham's lead in the second half with a low drive past Jussi Jaaskelainen before Jermain Defoe sealed the win with a tap-in on the hour.
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You mean Coyle is still at Bolton? Is Gartside busy otherwise planning travel arrangements to Champo venues next season???
What a totally crass decision to send Cahill off, a clumsy challenge maybe but not violent and Cahill was not even the last player ( where was the linesman?)
Mind you when you see the that the referee was the inept, incompetent, Attwell who even manages to make Clutterbuck look like a world class official it's no wonder.
When are we going to allow foreign referees into the English game.
I'm a City fan so it is an unbiased obsevation.