How Blackburn Rovers feel about EFL decision after Ipswich Town abandonment - They could take new action | OneFootball

Blackburn Rovers have released a strongly-worded statement after the EFL ruled that their abandoned game against Ipswich Town will be replayed.

Blackburn Rovers are considering whether to appeal the EFL's decision to make them replay their abandoned Championship game against Ipswich Town in full.

After persistent heavy rainfall during Saturday's game at Ewood Park, referee Stephen Martin took both sets of players off the pitch in the 79th minute, and he later brought an early end to the match after he deemed the pitch to be unplayable.

At the time the game was called off, Blackburn were leading 1-0 thanks to Todd Cantwell's 59th-minute penalty, while Ipswich were also down to 10 men following Jacob Greaves' red card earlier in the second half for bringing down Yuki Ohashi when he was through on goal.

Speaking earlier this week, Rovers head coach Valerien Ismael insisted that awarding his side the three points would be "the fair thing to do" as they were "clearly at an advantage", while he also claimed that "the data shows that we were on the front foot since the red card".

While Blackburn were hoping to be given the victory, they were also believed to be open to completing the final 10 minutes of the game against 10 men, but Ipswich requested a full replay of the game with both sides starting with 11 players, and after carefully considering the arguments of both clubs, the EFL have come down on the side of the Tractor Boys.

The EFL said the decision "follows recent precedents relating to abandoned fixtures" and is "intended to uphold the integrity of the League competition", while they also revealed that the three Championship representatives on the panel, one of which was the executive director of Ipswich's bitter rivals Norwich City, Zoe Webber, abstained from the vote.

Blackburn Rovers hit out at the EFL after controversial Ipswich Town replay decision

In a strongly-worded statement released on Thursday afternoon, Blackburn revealed their frustration at the EFL's decision to force them to replay the game against Ipswich, and they confirmed they are considering all options available to them, including the possibility of an appeal.

"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 club said on their official website.

"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.

"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 Rovers should probably accept EFL decision despite Ipswich Town frustration

Given that they were leading the game and had a numerical advantage, it is likely that Blackburn would have gone on to secure all three points had Saturday's game been played to a conclusion.

However, with 10 minutes of normal time plus added time remaining, there was still a chance that Ipswich could have found an equaliser, particularly given the attacking quality Kieran McKenna's side had on the pitch, so Rovers cannot say for certain that they would have won the game.

With few previous examples of this situation occurring, it was a tough decision facing the EFL, and one side was always going to be disappointed with their verdict, but in order to uphold sporting integrity, they have made the correct call.