Phil Parkinson said it was "a nailed-on decision" to substitute teenage newcomer Luca Connell after Jack Hobbs' late header earned Bolton a 1-1 Sky Bet Championship draw with fellow strugglers Reading.
The Wanderers boss was jeered for several minutes after 17-year-old Connell, the home team's best player, was substituted with 20 minutes remaining.
And when debutant Nelson Oliveira converted a 74th-minute penalty – his first goal for nearly 12 months – the Royals looked set to win this basement battle.
Instead, defender Hobbs, who conceded the spot-kick, headed in Sammy Ameobi's cross to equalise.
"The last things the supporters would want is to get one of our young players injured," said Parkinson, clearly surprised by how much abuse followed the substitution.
"The demands of Championship football to under-18s in which Luca has been playing are a million miles away.
"It is frustrating because it is so obvious a young kid, who is only 17, is fatiguing after 65-70 minutes.
"We didn't want to get him injured. What can I say? I didn't expect it (the reaction).
"I have been a supporter on the terraces and watched games. And I like to think I have an understanding of what is going on on the pitch.
"So, I think it is a great point. It would have been a travesty had we got nothing from that game.
"I felt we deserved a least a point, if not all three. In the second half, in particular, we believed a bit more.
"Going a goal down was always going to be difficult but we got back in it with a terrific header from Hobbsy, who I thought was outstanding.
"What our supporters have got to remember is that that Reading team cost a hell of a lot of money to assemble.
"You go through it with the wage bill, the transfer fees they have paid, and we played really well against them. And I am very proud of the lads."
Reading boss Jose Gomes said: "The game is not just about controlling possession, it is to score.
"If we had scored in the five or six goal situations then we would have won 2-1 even after they scored after the 90 minutes.
"I am happy with the players and the team. They created enough chances to win the game.
"The players are disappointed like all the supporters because you felt the taste of the three points.
"We are doing well but we need points. It could have been better because we created enough chances to win the game.
"But it could be worse. The positive thing is we didn't lose and I feel confidence with these players."
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