Blackburn Rovers issued a ferocious statement after the EFL revealed that the match against Ipswichtown will be played in full. The game was abandoned in 10 minutes to play on Saturday after a heavy downfall flooded Ewood Park Pitch.
Blackburn, who hasn’t won at home this season, had a 1-0 lead in the match when the referee instructed players to return to the dressing room. The match officials returned to the pitch and saw if the match was completed, but the surface was deemed unplayable and the game was abandoned.
Since then it has been determined that the fixture needs to be played completely – the one in which the Blackburn hierarchy is the least satisfying. A statement posted on the club’s official website stated, “Blackburn Rovers regretfully acknowledges that the EFL Committee has unfortunately confirmed that the Championship fixture for Ipswich Town must be fully revived at a later date.
“The match held at Ewood Park on Saturday was cancelled in 80 minutes due to an unplayable play surface following extreme weather conditions throughout the day.
“At the time of the abandonment, the Rovers led 1-0 thanks to Todd Cantwell’s second-half penalty, with the town of Ipswich diminishing to 10 men after Jacob Greaves’ delivery.
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“However, following a review of all options available in accordance with regulations, along with submissions made by both clubs, the EFL committee ultimately concluded that the match should be played in full.
“Blackburn Rovers respects the process that the EFL has undertaken and acknowledges the complexities involved, but the club is extremely disappointed with the outcome.
“While Blackburn Rovers is committed to maintaining the integrity of the competition, we strongly feel that the decision to regenerate the entire fixture does not accurately reflect the situation that day. The club is now making it even more clear from the EFL, considering all options including the right to appeal the decision and will not make further comments on the issue at this stage.”
Blackburn endured a difficult start to the championship season, and Rovers are now 18th. They would have jumped to the top half on Saturday in a victory over Ipswich, but instead they are one point above the drop zone.
The EFL statement stated, “The board has comprehensively considered all the options available in accordance with regulations along with the statements made by both clubs. It was ultimately decided that the fixture should be fully regenerated. The decision follows recent precedents related to abandoned equipment and aims to support the integrity of league competition, wherever possible, if based on an environment like an end.
