(Credit: Imago and Sky Sports)

Keith Hackett

Mon 5 May 2025 16:22, UK

Keith Hackett has reacted after two penalty appeals from Blackburn Rovers ace Todd Cantwell were rejected in his side’s Championship clash with Sheffield United.

The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the attacker was very fortunate not to receive one, if not two, yellows for diving.

Cantwell has scored some important penalties for Blackburn since his move to Ewood Park from Rangers back in the summer transfer window.

However, he was unable to get the chance to repeat that trick as his side travelled to Sheffield United in the final game of the regular Championship season on Saturday (3 May).

Alfie Gilchrist survives two Todd Cantwell penalty claims

Blackburn went into that game knowing they had to beat the Blades and hope for results elsewhere to go their way in order to secure a place in the play-offs, and with it a chance of promotion.

As they attempted to find a lead in that match, Cantwell would go down inside the Sheffield United area looking for a penalty, after tussling with Chelsea loanee Alfie Gilchrist.

The actions of the Blackburn man did not please the Sheffield United supporters, while referee Farai Hallam elected not to point to the spot on both occasions.

Cantwell though also managed to avoid picking up a yellow card for diving over the two incidents, ensuring he remained on the pitch.

Now, Hackett believes that neither collision should have led to a Blackburn penalty, and that Cantwell was fortunate to avoid receiving one if not two yellow cards for simulation.

Blackburn Rovers penalty appeals analysed

After being asked by Football Insider if Cantwell should have had a penalty for either challenge or if he could have been over one or both incidents for diving, Hackett said:

“[On the first one] I think the player [Cantwell] is lucky not to get a caution for an act of simulation in that situation.

“The referee’s absolutely on it, he’s said it’s not a penalty kick. Therefore the player’s gone down, he’s looking for a penalty kick, therefore caution him for simulation, support your decision!

“I think the first one is more of a yellow card than [the second] because I think if the referee issues the yellow card on that first penalty shout for an act of simulation, the Blackburn player’s not going to give him that problem with the second one.

“The Blackburn player there is trying to apply pressure on the referee, the referee in fairness has not bought it. I think again how many times does a player have to go down appealing for a penalty kick when it’s not awarded and the referee takes no action.

“I think they make life more difficult for themselves referees: caution for simulation.”

Second half goals from Yuki Ohashi and Anel Ahmedhodzic ensured the two sides settled for a 1-1 draw, leaving Blackburn seventh in the final standings and missing out on the play-offs by two points.