MOTM Alebiosu addresses penalty in Blackburn draw

Super Eagles defender Ryan Alebiosu, named Player of The Match, has spoken out regarding the contentious penalty that prevented Blackburn Rovers from securing a win against Wolves in their Championship debut at Molineux. Blackburn appeared on track to take all three points after coming back to lead 2-1, but referee Farai Hallam awarded a penalty in stoppage time, following a cross from Jackson Tchatchoua that struck Alebiosu's arm.

Despite replays suggesting the handball occurred outside the box, no VAR system exists in the EFL. Wolves' Raul Jiminez scored the resulting penalty, tying the game at 2-2. Blackburn's Sean McLoughlin and Andri Gudjohnsen had earlier leveled the scores, with Gudjohnsen putting Wolves ahead three minutes into the second half. Wolves striker Jiminez converted the late penalty to secure a 2-2 draw for his team.

Alebiosu expressed his frustration with the decision, stating, "We’re frustrated. The boys have done everything to get the three points. The ball has been played, and I thought I was outside the box. Obviously the decision has gone against us." Blackburn coach Tony Mowbray also disagreed with the award, telling reporters, "Having watched the still pictures, it looks outside the box to me.

If it hits him on the hand and it is away from his body, I suppose in modern-day football (it is a penalty). But it still looks outside the box to me."