Kean frustrated by late equaliser

Steve Kean felt like his Blackburn Rovers team had lost after conceding a stoppage-time penalty to draw 3-3 with Norwich City.

Struggling Blackburn led 3-2 going into the final moments of the English Premier League match at Carrow Road, and looked set to record a much-needed victory.

But a debatable handball given against Steven Nzonzi saw substitute Grant Holt equalise from the spot for Norwich in the 94th minute.

“It feels like a defeat because a decision like that in five minutes of stoppage time is very hard to take,” Blackburn manager Kean said.

“I have looked at the penalty decision from a few angles and Steven was fouled at the back post and is appealing for a free-kick and the ball drops behind his shoulder and hits the top of his arm.”

“I don’t think there was any intent and we feel as it if was a foul.”

“For us to do so well and to have the game in the palm of our hands, it is tough to take.”

Blackburn have managed just one win so far this season and remain inside the relegation zone.

But Kean is confident his players can overcome their disappointment.

“We have had a tough program, but the effort which they put in again today shows they are a good group and are very tight,” he said.

“In a couple of days when we reflect on it, we will feel as if we have done enough to win this and now just have to keep going.”

Norwich manager Paul Lambert was proud of the spirit shown by his players in their latest escape act, with late goals a feature of the Scotsman’s time in charge.

“I have been here for two-and-a-half years now, and from day one it has been like that – we never give up,” he said.

“We have got a good side and a great spirit and desire to try to win games.”

“We never just turn up and think we are going to win, because every game is hard for us. There is never a ‘gimme’, even in League One. You need to work hard for it.”

“Blackburn are an established Premier League side and hurt us when we did not do the right things.”

“But all credit to the lads, because they came back really strong with a great spirit.”