Championship: Alebiosu rues late penalty in Blackburn's 2-2 draw

Ryan Alebiosu has criticised the late penalty that prevented Blackburn Rovers from opening their 2026/27 Championship campaign with victory, as Wolverhampton Wanderers secured a 2-2 draw at Molineux. The Nigerian right-back believed he was outside the area when the ball struck his arm in stoppage time.

Blackburn had overturned an early deficit and moved into a 2-1 lead against Wolves, who were relegated from the Premier League last season. Their advantage disappeared when referee Farai Hallam awarded the hosts a penalty after a cross made contact with Alebiosu’s arm.

Raúl Jiménez converted the spot-kick to rescue a point for Wolves. The decision remained contentious after replays raised doubts about Alebiosu’s position when the contact occurred, leaving the Blackburn defender disappointed with the outcome.

Alebiosu felt Blackburn had done enough to take all three points and praised the team’s effort throughout the match. He said the players had worked hard against a side recently relegated from the top flight and had little to blame themselves for despite the late setback.

Blackburn initially fell behind through Marshall Munetsi before Sean McLoughlin levelled the contest. Andri Gudjohnsen then put the visitors ahead early in the second half, but Jiménez’s penalty ensured the teams shared the points in the opening fixture.

The result gives both sides a point at the start of the Championship season. Alebiosu said Blackburn’s performance offered encouragement and argued that maintaining that standard, while improving the decisive moments, could help the team enjoy a strong campaign.