FORMER Rangers star Todd Cantwell has found himself at the centre of a bizarre drama involving a referee.
Although, it’s his MANAGER who has levelled a somewhat astonishing accusation at the official.
Cantwell, 27, spent a year-and-a-half as a Rangers player between January 2023 and the summer of 2024.
The Englishman netted 14 goals in 64 games at Ibrox before joining Blackburn Rovers in August last year.
The former Norwich ace has established himself as a key man at the Lancashire club.
Cantwell achieved a huge personal accolade at the beginning of the season when he was named club captain by boss Valerien Ismael.
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It’s been a rather inconsistent first full campaign under Ismael so far.
Blackburn have won two and lost four of their Championship games.
Both wins have come away from home – impressive 3-0 and 2-0 triumphs over Hull and Watford respectively – but their latest trip on the road resulted in defeat.
That came on Saturday as Blackburn fell to a 3-0 loss at Charlton Athletic.
Goals from Macaulay Gillesphey, Sonny Carey and James Bree helped the Addicks to a comfortable win over Cantwell and company.
But the former Gers ace was at the centre of a controversial incident with his side just a goal down.
Cantwell put a cross into the box and Blackburn were adamant they should have been awarded a penalty for handball against Charlton’s Lloyd Jones.
But the referee Anthony Backhouse dismissed the spot-kick claims and play continued.
However, after the game, Blackburn boss Ismael levelled an accusation at the man in the middle.
Ismael claims his side should’ve been awarded the “clear” penalty – and accused the referee of WINKING and LAUGHING at Cantwell.
The Blackburn manager blasted: “We had one important situation.
“It was a clear penalty and the referee winked at Todd.
“Todd is the captain, he has the right to speak to the referee and he laughed at him – which is unacceptable from the referee.
“If he’s made a mistake, he’s made a mistake, but at least show respect to our players.
“I’ve seen the footage and it’s a clear penalty.
“It was a straight arm to block the ball and it could have changed the momentum on a tough afternoon for us.”
Cantwell himself took to social media after the match.
He, however, chose to focus on the defeat itself rather than the controversial incident.
On Instagram, Cantwell said: “A very below average performance from us yesterday after a hard week, we have the opportunity to correct it on Tuesday.
“Thank you to the travelling fans for your support.
“We go again.”
Blackburn currently sit 20th in the table with six points from six games.
Last weekend, they led Ipswich Town 1-0 at home in the 80th minute thanks to a Cantwell penalty.
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But the game was abandoned due to heavy rain fall and will now be replayed in FULL.
Cantwell’s side next face Swansea City at Ewood Park this midweek.
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