FA Cup finalists Cardiff fought back from 2-0 down to earn a point at Turf Moor despite the last-minute dismissal of defender Darren Purse.
He was sent off for a bad challenge on Andy Cole and could face a suspension that would rule him out for Wembley.
Graham Alexander and Cole had earlier put the hosts in front before Cardiff hit back through Joe Ledley's penalty and a 12-yard Aaron Ramsey strike.
Clark Carlisle restored Burnley's lead but Steve Thompson levelled late on.
Burnley's Andy Cole on the challenge on him by Darren Purse:
"I have 10 stitches in my leg. I have played the game at the highest level for 18 years and some muppet tries to challenge me like that.
"I only had eyes for the ball and what disappoints me is Darren said I went over the ball yet he must have gone higher than me.
"It's (Cardiff boss) David Jones who should take a long hard look at himself. After the career I have had, what he thinks is irrelevant."
Cardiff boss David Jones's view on the dismissal of Purse:
"It's the reaction of the player which has got Darren sent off.
"I will be appealing against the decision. Darren has over played the ball but he has not tried to do him.
"Andrew Cole needs to take a long hard look at himself."
Burnley: Jensen, Alexander, Carlisle, Caldwell, Jordan, Elliott (MacDonald 79), James O'Connor, McCann (Gudjonsson 77), Blake (Mahon 87), Akinbiyi, Cole.
Subs Not Used: Kiraly, Duff.
Goals: Alexander 36, Cole 54, Carlisle 86.
Cardiff: Enckelman, Blake, Purse, Loovens, Capaldi, Ramsey, McPhail (Ledley 45), Sinclair, Scimeca, Hasselbaink (Whittingham 67), Thompson.
Subs Not Used: McNaughton, Rae, Johnson.
Sent Off: Purse (90).
Goals: Ledley 57 pen, Ramsey 69, Thompson 89.
Att: 10,694
Ref: Andy Hall (W Midlands).
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