Chris Wilder watched the final 25 minutes of the match from the grandstand at Bramall Lane
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder was sent to the stands as the Blades' three-game winning run came to an end at home to Norwich.
Wilder was dismissed for kicking the ball at some Norwich water bottles after 65 minutes as he tried to put the ball back into play quickly.
Yanic Wildschut put the Canaries ahead midway through the first half.
David Brooks had a good chance for United while Josh Murphy went close for Norwich after the break.
The Blades could have gone top of the Championship with a win, but Norwich deserved the three points as they moved back into the top half of the table.
The hosts could have taken an early lead, but Angus Gunn saved well from Brooks before Wildschut's goal - a drive into the bottom corner after fine build-up play by Cameron Jerome and James Maddison.
Norwich looked more likely to score throughout as Marco Stiepermann skewed wide from distance and Murphy had an effort blocked after the break.
But the game's talking point was Wilder's sending off as he exchanged words with his Norwich counterpart Daniel Farke after kicking the ball at some water bottles - causing referee Scott Duncan to send him from the dug-out.
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder:
"There were some time-wasting issues that are ridiculous. Referees have to do something about it. It breaks the flow of the game up when you're in the ascendancy.
"I went in their technical area, that was the problem, a bit of a frustration having five centre forwards out.
"I thought my team were outstanding for a new team in the division. I thought we deserved something from the game."
Norwich boss Daniel Farke:
"It feels like a big win, 100 per cent. Our defending attitude, our will to fight against setbacks. Our will to be in such an atmosphere, a really emotional atmosphere and to stand together.
"I felt like we were able to control the game with our defending. We had to be concentrated and focused, and to defend to the last second.
"I think we deserved this win, and it's good for our confidence and the general togetherness."
