Blackburn Rovers manager Valerien Ismael has unleashed a furious rant at match officials, labelling a late decision "disgraceful," after his side conceded a 99th-minute equaliser to Wrexham in a dramatic Championship clash.
Last-Gasp Drama at the Racecourse
The match at the Racecourse Ground on Saturday seemed destined to end in a narrow victory for the visiting Rovers. Andri Gudjohnsen's 13th-minute header had given Blackburn a first-half lead, which they protected doggedly as the game entered deep stoppage time.
However, the contest turned on a pivotal decision by referee Tom Reeves in the dying moments. A free-kick was awarded to Wrexham for a foul on Ryan Barnett near the right touchline. George Dobson delivered the ball into the box, where Kieffer Moore nodded it down for Nathan Broadhead. His effort was eventually turned in by defender Max Cleworth to spark wild celebrations and secure a 1-1 draw for the Welsh side.
Ismael's Scathing Post-Match Attack
An incensed Valerien Ismael did not mince his words in his post-match assessment, directing his anger squarely at the match officials for the game-changing call.
"It all comes down to the referee with the disgraceful decision," the Blackburn boss stated. "It was terrible. At some point, it has to stop and the EFL has to do something, because there are big decisions for teams every weekend. We need better quality, it's as simple as that."
While acknowledging his team's need to defend the set-piece better, Ismael was adamant the decision cost his team all three points. He also pointed to missed opportunities, including chances for Gudjohnsen and Yuki Ohashi to score a second goal that would have sealed the win.
Wrexham's Unbeaten Run Continues
For Wrexham, the dramatic late leveller extends their impressive unbeaten run in the second tier to eight Championship matches. The result lifts Phil Parkinson's team to ninth in the league table, firmly in the mix for the play-off positions.
Parkinson praised his team's relentless spirit, a hallmark of their recent successes. "Time and time again here, we've got late winners and we've got a late equaliser," he said. "It's so important that we keep that belief and drive to the very last kick of the game."
The Wrexham manager expressed optimism about his squad's development and their ability to maintain a challenge throughout the busy December period, with an eye on being in a strong position heading into the January transfer window.
Attention now turns to a tough away fixture for the Red Dragons, as they prepare to face fifth-placed Preston North End on Saturday. Wrexham will hope to repeat their 3-2 Carabao Cup victory over Preston from August as they look to continue their ascent up the Championship standings.
