The striker was controversially sent off on 82 minutes after tussling with Adam Hinshelwood. Furlong did flick a boot in frustration as the ball ran away, but was as amazed when ref Andy D'Urso ruled the act to be violent conduct and showed a straight red card.
And Holloway knows that unless he can act quickly, his main hitman will be missing for four games - starting with Monday's visit to Leicester.
"We had Georges Santos sent off against Plymouth on Boxing Day and when we tried to appeal to the FA they were shut for Christmas," Holloway claimed.
"I hope they are open again now because it seemed innocuous and I was actually expecting a free-kick for us.
"Paul said he got elbowed twice and then their lad fell over his leg and is adamant there was nothing malicious."
Furlong's dismissal was a terrible end to a dreadful day for QPR who had by far the better chances against relegation-threatened Brighton, but failed to find a way through.
QPR edged a sloppy first-half and almost took the lead on 42 minutes when Danny Shittu came up for a corner.
The big defender hit a powerful shot towards goal, but his 12-yard effort smashed against the post from the angle.
The ball fell to striker Leon Best, but he could only scuff his follow-up effort back towards goal and keeper Michel Kuipers gratefully made the save when it looked as if he would be easily beaten.
Brighton had another escape early in the second-half when Paul Furlong's powerful 20-yeard free-kick arrowed towards goal. However, Guy Butters was well placed on the post and he made the clearance to keep the scores level.
The visitors finally worried the Rangers defence on 56 minutes when sub Leon Knight, on for the ineffectual Mark McCammon at half-time, forced Chris Day to parry a long-range drive.
The keeper then had to recover quickly to block Gary Hart's follow-up as the Seagulls came to life for the first time.
The final stages were frantic, but QPR's push for a late winner were derailed when Furlong was sent off and Brighton held on to extend their own unbeaten run to three games.
Brighton manager Mark McGhee said: "I thought our defensive display made this a deserved point.
"We have taken five points in three games over Christmas and two of those have been tough away games at Wolves and QPR.
"I would be surprised if Adam Hinshelwood went down for no reason in that tussle with Furlong. But if he did then I will be very unhappy because I really don't like that kind of thing."