x

Jim: Return "Shambolic" - Ipswich Town News

Town boss Jim Magilton branded the referee's decision not to abandon the game after the pitch invasion by Leeds fans “shambolic”. The Blues' 1-1 draw at Elland Road all but relegated the home side.

Referee Mick Jones decided that the players should return after the invasion, even though less than a minute remained on the clock. Magilton felt that the sensible move would have been to bring the game to a premature close: "It was a shambolic but brave decision to come back out.

"I was involved in something similar at West Ham when the referee called the game off. He should have called this one off.

"It was a poor decision. The players were worried about going back out. If any of them had got injured or hurt, I would have been knocking on the referee's door.

"The Leeds fans had obviously heard the Hull result and they are a passionate set of supporters. Once they came on the pitch with so little time left I thought that was it.

"I didn't think it was a rational decision to go back out there, but we did and nobody got hurt, so we move on.

"We had a lot of young players out there and it was always going to be a hostile atmosphere and I was delighted with the way they handled it. They were impeccable.

"Our fans were brilliant as well and overall we deserved a point. It was a terrific goal and we could have won the game at the end.

"Some of our football was fantastic and now we can look forward to next week and hopefully finish off the season in style at home to Cardiff."

John Nagle, the Football League's head of communications, condemned the actions of the Leeds fans: "Clearly, passions will run high at this stage of the season.

"However, it is deplorable for supporters to enter the field of play at any time. The events at Elland Road will be a matter for the Football Association to investigate and these actions by a minority of Leeds supporters could have serious consequences for the club."

Leeds boss Dennis Wise was uncharacteristically quiet when asked about the invasion: "It's a sad enough day as it is. I don't want to talk about that."

Get the fastest and most comprehensive Ipswich Town news service at ipswichtown.footballlatest.co.uk.

What to read next:

U21s at Hull
Town’s U21s are in action against Hull City this afternoon at the MKM Stadium, the scene of Saturday’s pulsating 3-3 draw between the two first teams (KO 3pm).
Taylor: It Would Be a Special Moment If It Happens
Town midfielder Jack Taylor admitted it would be a dream come true to play in the Premier League, but is not getting carried away ahead of a busy week with two big matches still to play.
Taylor: Massive Credit to the Manager and His Staff
Town midfielder Jack Taylor has sung the praises of manager Kieran McKenna ahead of the Blues’ final two matches of the season this week.
Leicester Claim Title
Leicester City claimed the Championship title following a 3-0 victory over Preston North End at Deepdale this evening.
Finidi Appointed Nigeria Head Coach
Former Town winger Finidi George has been appointed the permanent head coach of Nigeria.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Huddersfield Game Live on Sky
The Blues’ final game of the season at home to Huddersfield Town on Saturday is among those being shown live on Sky Sports.
London Branch Meet-Up For Coventry Match
The London Branch of the Ipswich Town Supporters Club is inviting fellow fans to watch Tuesday’s live-on-Sky away game against Coventry City at the Brondes Age public house in Camden.
Hayes Set For Second Wembley Trip
Keeper Nick Hayes will be making two trips to Wembley next month, his Solihull Moors loan side having reached the National League Promotion Final.
Former Skipper Nets Hat-Trick in Final Game
Former Blues skipper David Norris ended his career on a dramatic note, netting a hat-trick for Lancaster City in his final match, a 4-3 Northern Premier League Premier Division defeat at FC United of Manchester on Saturday.