‘Viewing the replay...’ – Ex-refs chief re-analyses Wolves vs Blackburn Rovers penalty controversy

Blackburn Rovers should feel aggrieved that they conceded a late penalty to Wolverhampton Wanderers during their 2-2 draw at Molineux on Monday.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that there is inconclusive evidence that the Rovers player committed the handball offence inside the box.

Tony Mowbray’s side were on track to achieve a shock 2-1 win against the promotion favourites in the opening game of the Championship season.

However, deep into added time, Jackson Tchatchoua’s whipped cross hit the outstretched arm of Ryan Alebiosu.

Referee Farai Hallam was then quick to point to the spot, and with no VAR in the Championship, the decision was final.

Raul Jimenez then stepped up to convert, but many, including Hackett, believe that the wrong decision was made.

Keith Hackett: There’s inconclusive evidence to support penalty decision vs Blackburn Rovers

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett explained why he believed that Wolves should not have got a penalty late on.

He said: “Blackburn Rovers have every right to be aggrieved, having had a penalty kick awarded against them in the closing stages of the game when they were winning 1-2.”

“There is no doubt that the Blackburn player had his arm extended out to make his body shape bigger; it was therefore a handball offence.

“I was expecting a free kick on the edge of the penalty area. However, the referee, from his viewing angle, pointed to the penalty mark.

“When you view replays of the incident, there is, in my opinion, inconclusive evidence to support the referee’s decision to award a penalty kick.

“The Blackburn Rovers player who had committed the offence was standing outside the penalty area, and there was considerable doubt that the handball offence had taken place inside the penalty area. Angles can be deceiving.

“Referee Hallam, from his position, was certain that the offence was inside the penalty area.

“Replays cast doubt on the accuracy of his decision.

“No VAR in the Championship, so no replays were available to check the decision of the match official.

“The penalty kick was scored, and the game ended 2-2.”

Alarm bells will be going off at Wolves

Considering Wolves were one of the favourites to get promoted, they were awful against Blackburn.

Rovers fully deserved all three points, and were by far the most threatening team throughout.

The Molineux faithful have been restless throughout the summer due to the lack of incomings, with only three new signings coming through the door to date.

Now, alarm bells will surely be going off in Wolverhampton, with the backline particularly poor against one of the relegation favourites.

Nevertheless, it remains to be seen if Wolves make any more additions before the transfer window shuts.