adminBlackburn release furious statement after being forced to replay Ipswich match
The former Premier League champions have been left furious with the decision.
Blackburn Rovers have released a furious statement after the EFL revealed their match with Ipswich Town will be replayed in full. The game was abandoned with 10 minutes to play on Saturday after heavy downfall waterlogged the Ewood Park pitch.
Blackburn, who haven’t won at home this season, had been leading the match 1-0 when the referee instructed the players to return to the dressing room. The match officials returned to the pitch to see if the match could be completed, but the surface was deemed unplayable and the game was called off.
It has since been decided the fixture will have to be replayed in full – something the Blackburn hierarchy aren’t best pleased with. The statement posted to the club’s official website read: “Blackburn Rovers regrettably confirms that the EFL Board has ruled that the Championship fixture against Ipswich Town should be replayed in full at a later date.
“The match, which took place at Ewood Park on Saturday, was called off in the 80th minute due to an unplayable playing surface following extreme weather conditions throughout the day.
“At the time of the abandonment, Rovers were leading 1-0, thanks to Todd Cantwell’s second-half penalty, and Ipswich Town had been reduced to 10 men following Jacob Greaves’ sending off. Holding both a scoreline and numerical advantage, and with just 10 minutes of normal time remaining, Rovers were on course to record a third Championship victory in four games.”
It continued: “However, following a review of all options available in accordance with the Regulations, alongside submissions made by both clubs, the EFL Board ultimately concluded that the match must be replayed in its entirety.
“Whilst Blackburn Rovers respects the processes undertaken by the EFL and acknowledges the complexities involved, the club is extremely disappointed by the outcome, which fails to take into account the significant advantages Rovers held at the time of abandonment.
“Blackburn Rovers is committed to upholding the integrity of the competition, however we strongly feel that the decision to replay the entire fixture does not accurately reflect the circumstances on the day. The club is now seeking further clarity from the EFL and will consider all options, including the right to appeal the decision, and will make no further comment on the matter at this stage.”
Blackburn have endured a difficult start to the Championship season, with Rovers currently placed 18th in the table. They would’ve jumped up to the top half with a win against Ipswich on Saturday, but instead, they remain one point above the drop zone.
The EFL statement read: “The board comprehensively considered all options available in accordance with the regulations alongside representations made by both clubs. It was ultimately decided by a majority that the fixture should be replayed in full. The decision follows recent precedents relating to abandoned fixtures and is intended to uphold the integrity of the league competition which should, wherever possible, be based on a complete set of fixtures played to a conclusion on the day.”
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