Birmingham City v Wolves: Managers defend Carsley challenge
He added: "I don't think there's any doubt it was the turning point, the game was going nowhere. I thought we were comfortable except for a couple of mistakes."
Cameron Jerome's close-range finish in first-half stoppage time and Garry O'Connor's well-taken goal in the 69th minute were enough to secure victory for Blues over a Wolves side who were punished for their defensive frailties.
The victory moved City to within two points of their midlands neighbours at the top of the table.
But much of the post-match talk did surround Carsley's challenge, and Blues boss McLeish echoed his opposite number's thoughts.
"I thought he wasn't the favourite to win the ball. Lee's a wholehearted player, committed, he's not a dirty player by any means and all the professionals know that," said McLeish.
"But he's high with his studs and when you do that and don't get the ball then 99% of the time it's a red card.
"He was upset at half-time. He knows that the player is injured and he cares, he is a guy who cares not only about the cause for Birmingham but he respects his fellow pro's."
