|
Blackburn stunned City, taking the lead after 26 minutes through recent buy David Thompson and it became even worse early in the second half for the home side when former Manchester United striker Andy Cole doubled Rovers' lead.
City's troubles deepened when Tiatto was sent off only six minutes after coming on following an x-rated two-footed tackle on Thompson.
Referee Mike Dean had no option, but to produce the red card and an enraged Keegan said the Aussie would be fined the maximum amount as he will not tolerate such unprofessional play.
Blackburn would have put the game beyond City's reach but for two saves from Peter Schmeichel, who denied Dwight Yorke and Henning Berg.
City capitalised when Anelka halved the deficit with an 80th minute goal, though he was assisted by a marked deflection.
Then in the final minute of normal time City produced an equaliser from super sub Goater.
Sylvain Distin broke on the left and cut the ball back for Goater to score from 12 yards, though once again keeper Brad Friedel was beaten by another deflected effort.
Man City: Schmeichel, Jihai, Bischoff (Tiatto 61), Distin, Wright-Phillips, Berkovic, Foe, Benarbia, Jensen, Anelka, Shuker (Goater 61). Subs Not Used: Nash, Ritchie, Horlock.
Sent Off: Tiatto (68).
Booked: Foe, Wright-Phillips, Berkovic.
Blackburn: Friedel, Taylor, Short, Berg, Neill, Gillespie (Mahon 78), Flitcroft, Dunn, Thompson (Tugay 86), Cole (Grabbi 56), Yorke. Subs Not Used: Kelly, Johansson.
Booked: Neill, Gillespie, Grabbi.
Att: 34,130
Referee: M Dean (Wirral).