The Scottish international reacted to a late challenge from behind by Rob Gier and was sent off by referee Mark Warren for two bookable offences.
Even Wimbledon boss Stuart Murdoch offered sympathy for the Black Cats striker who played his part in Michael Proctor's 89th minute winner.
"I don't think the referee handled the situation as well as he could have," he said. "Kyle reacted a little bit after no foul had been given."Sunderland manager Mick McCarthy, who had defender Julio Arca sent off in controversial circumstances in the last home game, would only say: "I asked the referee why he sent him off and he said for two yellow cards.
"The first was for adopting an aggressive attitude towards the player and the second for the push. I can't do anything about it and that's all I am going to say."Sunderland were heading for a fifth successive draw at the Stadium of Light until Proctor, an 81st minute substitute, went clear after Kyle and John Oster linked up to fire home the winner.
Sunderland, however, should have won in a canter. Skipper Jason McAteer hit the post in the 14th minute and in the 26th minute Darren Holloway marred his return to his former club by bringing down George McCartney.
Marcus Stewart duly dispatched the resultant kick but instead of the floodgates opening, Wimbledon were gifted an unlikely equaliser on the stroke of half-time.
Substitute Wade Small, on for Holloway, crossed from the left and Paul Thirlwell's attempted clearance looped over Mart Poom.
Sunderland totally dominated the second half but despite three changes rarely tested goalkeeper Steve Banks until that hectic late finale.
"We've scrapped and fought and won," said McCarthy. "I'm thrilled because we have played a lot better than that and got beat."Murdoch said: "That's as bad as we have played all season in the first half. We got out of jail with that goal because we could have gone in at half time three down."