Blackburn in Europe

Congratulations to Blackburn Rovers, whose 1-0 victory over much changed Premiership Champions Chelsea means that they will play European football next season.

They certainly couldn’t have done it without manager Mark Hughes, who in spite of his grumpy appearance and a depressing tendency to dispute virtually every decision against his side as a matter of dull routine, has by common consent done a magnificent job.

But it also has to be acknowledged that on this occasion they couldn’t have done it without referee Steve Bennett, who magnanimously disregarded a cast iron Chelsea penalty appeal and two others which were highly commended (though not, of course, by Mark Hughes).