Tony Mowbray reveals referee action he took after Wolves v Blackburn flashpoint | OneFootball

Tony Mowbray has revealed what he did following a refereeing flashpoint in Blackburn Rovers' 2-2 draw with Wolves at Molineux...

Tony Mowbray will have been absolutely furious to see Blackburn Rovers' excellent work undone against Wolverhampton Wanderers in such dramatic circumstances, with the Rovers boss questioning the award of the late penalty that denied his side three points and seeking answers from the match officials and Kevin Friend.

Blackburn Rovers had come from behind to lead 2-1 through Sean McLoughlin and Andri Gudjohnsen, which had them positioned and set for a hugely impressive three points at Molineux. Instead, a contentious handball decision against Ryan Alebiosu in stoppage time gave Wolves a penalty, with Raul Jimenez converting to make it 2-2.

With the evidence appearing to suggest Alebiosu may have been outside the box when the ball struck his arm, Mowbray felt his side had been denied victory and was particularly frustrated by the timing of the decision after his side had been so solid and organised after going ahead.

Tony Mowbray reacts to penalty call in Wolves 2-2 Blackburn Rovers

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Speaking to Sky Sports post-match, Mowbray reacted to the decision: "Having been in the dressing room now and having watched the still picture, it looks outside the box to me. I saw Kevin Friend (Select Group 2 Referee Manager) before the game and we'll go in and sit with the referee and assistants and Kevin and see what they thought.

"Because the still picture to me suggests it's outside the box. These lads aren't stupid. They wouldn't handle the ball. If it hits him on the hand and it's away from his body, that's the modern day footballer, I suppose, but it still looks outside the box to me.

"Disappointed tonight. I felt the momentum of the decisions started to swing against us a bit. It felt like that a bit but I shouldn't say that because I don't think there is ever anything untoward. There's no bias in the referees but it felt, maybe with the crowd and the noise and excitement, maybe.

"I don't know whether it affects officials. You hope not, of course. But it's really frustrating for us because I didn't feel they were going to score. I didn't feel they were creating chances."

Tony Mowbray is hoping to weave his magic again with Blackburn Rovers

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Mowbray's return to Blackburn is a genuinely uplifting story, particularly after the health problems that forced him away from management. At 62, though, it is fair to ask whether he can be quite the same manager who was so impressive during his first spell at Ewood Park.

He previously rebuilt Rovers after relegation, immediately secured promotion, and established them as a competitive Championship side. However, his recent spell at West Brom was underwhelming, although it would be harsh to judge him solely on that given the circumstances.

Mowbray appears to have the energy and appetite for the job, and Blackburn's familiarity could bring out his strengths again. The question is whether time, illness, and a rapidly changing game have altered what he can offer as a manager at second tier level — but there is every reason to hope this homecoming works and the early signs have been promising in 2026/27.

How social media reacted to Tony Mowbray's Blackburn drawing with Wolves at Molineux

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Blackburn supporters and neutrals alike took to social media to react to the penalty decision against Wolves and Rovers' chances this season under Mowbray, with many feeling as though they had been hard done by at Molineux.

Another response read: "Parachute teams already getting dodgy calls - welcome to the Championship."

Another fan response read: "Tony Mowbray is such a lovely man. I watched the game as a neutral. Blackburn were the better side and deserved to win, denied by an incorrect penalty decision. With Mogga and Morsy in the side, I think they might be my Championship favourites this season. Good luck! #WOLBLA"