Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe felt Andre Marriner made the wrong decision by sending off Simon Francis in 0-0 draw at Leicester, but admitted the referee did not have a good view of it.
Marriner made the decision to send off Francis in the 57th minute of the 0-0 draw at the King Power Stadium, to the fury of both the player and his team-mates.
The Bournemouth captain and Vardy chased after Danny Drinkwater's through ball, and with Vardy winning the race, Francis made a sliding challenge, bringing down the Foxes man.
Television replays suggested Francis got a touch on the ball, and he protested as much, but Marriner brought out his red card and awarded the penalty.
Bournemouth will feel some justice was served as Artur Boruc, diving to his left, got two strong hands to Mahrez's spot-kick.
Cherries boss Eddie Howe felt it should not have been a penalty and praised his team for the way they battled to earn a point.
"For me it's not a penalty. That was my opinion live and it still is after seeing it on the replays," said Howe.
"For me, Simon has a difficult job there. Vardy has got goal side and is going towards goal at full pace. Simon has come from the side, got a clear touch on the ball and it is not a penalty, or a free-kick, in my opinion.
"It's a difficult one for the referee because he only sees the player go down. But I think everyone on the other side - the touchline side - can see it's a clear touch on the ball.
"I think when you play with 10 men for such a long spell in the game, to come away with anything is a huge result and full credit to my players for that.
"No matter how we got it, I think is definitely a point gained and I have to compliment my players."