How Valerien Ismael feels about Blackburn Rovers v Ipswich Town replay decision | OneFootball

Blackburn Rovers' clash with Ipswich Town last weekend was abandoned after 80 minutes due to heavy rain

Valerien Ismael has urged for a fair decision to be made regarding Blackburn Rovers abandoned clash against Ipswich Town.

The Lancashire outfit hosted Kieran McKenna’s side last weekend at Ewood Park, but the referee decided to abandon the game after 80 minutes played due to the heavy rain.

Ismael’s team were leading 1-0 when the game was paused, with Ipswich also down to 10 men due to the dismissal of Jacob Greaves.

No decision has yet been made on how the result of the fixture will be determined, with three options being considered by the EFL.

The game could be restarted from the 80 minute mark, or it could be replayed in full from the start, with three points being awarded to Blackburn also on the table.

Valerien Ismael gives view on Blackburn v Ipswich situation

Ismael has reiterated to his squad that their focus must be on the next game, and that this situation cannot be a distraction for them.

He believes that Ipswich being down to 10 men is significant to the outcome of the EFL’s decision, suggesting it made a victory far more likely for the hosts than if they had 1

“The main message now is to stay focused for the next game,” said Ismael, via the club’s official website.

“Everything is out of our control and we have defended our interests for us and our fans.

“It’s clear, when you’re 1-0 up, the opponents are down to 10 men and you have the momentum.

"On one hand, they can score a goal, but what is right for Ipswich is also right for us, and we have the possibility of scoring a goal as well.

“We faced the situation against Norwich when we were down to 10 and were pushing; we had the feeling we could score, but we conceded a second goal at the end and lost the game.”

Ismael has claimed that Blackburn have every right to request all three points, claiming it is the fairest outcome of the three options at the disposal of the EFL: “For us, we have the right to want the three points from the situation, as I think that’s the fairest thing to do when the opponent is down to 10.

“At 11 v 11, it’s a different situation, but this situation was clear. We had a clear advantage and the statistical data shows that we were on the front foot since the red card.

“There are no rules and it’s a grey area. It’s put the integrity of football in danger because everyone can speculate on anything in every game to try to stop any game.

“It’s difficult to know what will be the outcome, but this is a case that should be taken seriously, as this is one that will be a precedent case.

“I hope we can get a decision in our favour.”

Blackburn are currently 18th in the Championship table, having only earned six points from a possible 15, having now completed one game fewer than their rivals.

Ismael’s side have won two of their five finished fixtures, and all three points against Ipswich would move them up to 11th, and only one point outside of the play-off places.

Meanwhile, the Tractor Boys are also on six points from five games, so are in a similar situation to Rovers if the game is replayed in full.

Next up for Blackburn is a trip to face Charlton Athletic on 27 September in a 3pm kick-off.

No decision will please everyone in Blackburn v Ipswich case

Whatever decision is ultimately taken by the EFL, someone is likely to be unhappy due to the circumstances surrounding the abandonment.

The fairest outcome would likely be to restart the game from the 80th minute and finish off the last part of the fixture, but travelling to Ewood Park for so little game time would be a real waste for Ipswich.

However, they would surely rather do that than concede the result and take nothing from the game.

Restarting the fixture in full would be harsh on Blackburn, but it is the likeliest outcome at this stage given the precedents previously set in other examples of abandoned games.