Town’s abandoned game against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park will be restaged in full, the EFL has confirmed, while the Lancastrians say they will look at the possibility of appealing.

The match was curtailed after 80 minutes due to a waterlogged pitch with the hosts 1-0 up and the Blues down to 10 men.

After the game, the EFL said three options would be under consideration from its board, declaring the result as it was when the players went off, playing the final 10 minutes at a later date or restaging the match entirely.

The latter always appeared the most likely and following a meeting today that has been confirmed.

An EFL statement reads: “The EFL board has today determined that the Sky Bet Championship fixture between Blackburn Rovers and Ipswich Town should be replayed in full following its abandonment on Saturday 20 September. 

“The fixture was abandoned in the 79th minute after the referee had taken the players off the pitch following a sustained period of heavy rainfall, which caused the playing surface to become unplayable.

“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.”

There was some disquiet among Town fans that Norwich City executive director Zoe Webber was on the board but the EFL says she, Peter Risdale (Preston) and Neil Bausor (Middlesbrough) weren't involved in the decision.

“Following due consideration, the three Championship directors abstained from the vote,” the statement adds.

“The board recognised that this was an incredibly difficult decision and agreed to consult clubs on the best approach to the development of new guidance to be considered in the event of a match abandonment.

“A new date for the fixture will be confirmed by the respective clubs in due course.”

Blackburn are less than impressed with the decision and have released a statement in which they say they will look to appeal if at all possible.

It reads: “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’s 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.”

Despite the restaging and all other elements from the game being expunged, Jacob Greaves will still serve a one-match ban for his red card.

Photo: IMAGO/Pro Sports Images via Reuters Connect

Town1Inter0 added 15:45 - Sep 25 We'll go and win the rematch 5-0 now too! ;-)
2

Ruddock2021 added 15:48 - Sep 25 Hopefully the drainage gets sorted before the fixture is replayed in full
3

darkhorse28 added 15:48 - Sep 25 Very harsh on Blackburn, and does lack integrity. The rules need to be clarified. No discretion, full replay, unless third party involvement such as pitch invasions etc Then fair or not, there’s complete clarity, what was the point in this process, it was a farce. We were second best - no ifs, no buts, really poor. Onwards.
-12

warwickblue added 15:52 - Sep 25 Quite a fortunate ruling for Town, given our woeful display on the day, but, ultimately, Blackburn are responsible for the state of their playing surface. The club has known about the drainage issues for years and the owners have chosen not to invest in a solution. This is what has ultimately cost them. No blame attached to ITFC in any way whatsoever. Blackburn supporters should be appealing to their owners gor an upgrade to their Sunday League park pitch.

2

bedsitfc added 15:53 - Sep 25 I do feel for Blackburn and understand their frustration but 1, At least six occasions during the game we had opportunities to score but unnatural movement of ball could have been a major factor in us not taking the opportunities. 2, this was at Blackburns ground and imo they should have better drainage on pitch as it was waterlogged before the heavy rain in second half and maybe it’s not all down to them but it’s certainly not our fault.

5

Phil1969 added 15:53 - Sep 25 This is Blackburn belly aching Premier league winners. They should have the confidence again to beat us at home It was always going to be replayed Rovers muppets.
1

FifeITFC added 15:55 - Sep 25 Whilst I appreciate Blackburn will be flooding their local river again with their tears, how can they realistically claim the win. Are you telling me a ten man side has never scored against eleven in a ten minute period? Even a goal on the break could have been possible and the result was never clear cut at that stage of the game. If they were 4-0 up or something, I'd be more sympathetic. But one goal by a ten man side is easily achievable.

5

IP1Blue added 15:56 - Sep 25 Be interesting to see what the votes were considering 3 champ clubs abstained and it only be a majority decision meaning other clubs voted against us. Correct decision with current rules in place. Has to be replayed, the rules at the moment only push that narrative The goal has to be wiped as the game as can’t let Cantrell have 47 games to score from The greaves red card has to stand - if his red card for example was for badly injuring a Blackburn player, to then not get punished for it would not be right so the red card has to stand

1

FrankfurtBlue added 16:00 - Sep 25 As the 3 Championship members of the Board abstained from voting, the result could only be described as a majority decision rather than a unanimous one. Presumably, all the remaining members voted for a full replay, following precedent and common sense. I f Blackburn disagree with the decision, maybe they should be told that it is their responsibility to put the game on, meaning adequate drainage and groundsmen who actually give a sh*t!

3

virginblue added 16:02 - Sep 25 How does the decision lack integrity? No surprise given who made the comment.
3

dyersdream added 16:03 - Sep 25 Save the fixture for a rainy day
3

NW10_Tractor added 16:13 - Sep 25 Now watch us beat them 4-0…
2

Suffolkboy added 16:26 - Sep 25 Given the previous comments from the Blackburn Manager ,the intention to consider an appeal comes as no surprise ! A bit of sour grapes here — but EFL have surely reached the correct conclusion ! IF the FA now have to step in and give further guidance ,it would probably be a very good thing : prolonged doubt in such circumstances is simply not acceptable ! COYB
1

awayfan added 16:26 - Sep 25 I'm staggered that this was only a majority decision, when the rulebook and all of the most relevant precedents clearly pointed to only one possible decision. Equally poor is the EFL Board's hand-wringing comment that: "The board recognised that this was an incredibly difficult decision [really?!?!] and agreed to consult clubs on the best approach to the development of new guidance to be considered in the event of a match abandonment." That smacks of a decision made grudgingly/reluctantly and will encourage Blackburn in their misguided desire to appeal. Bottom line, the score was only 1-0, we had enough players on the field to continue to be competitive in the game, there were c15-20 mins left to play, and we did not contribute in any shape, form or fashion to the cause of the abandonment! (Blackburn, however, did, as they've clearly failed to make any investment to address an inherent problem with the drainage of their pitch)

2

FifeITFC added 16:26 - Sep 25 Kudos to anyone who turns up to the rematch in full blown scuba gear.
2

cressi added 16:27 - Sep 25 Rimsy don't don't talk boll*cks game should have been called off earlier than it was. The Rovers forum knew this had a good chance of happening and they let four thousand Town fans travel in life threatening conditions shame on Blackburn need to sort there shi* out.
3

Marcus added 16:31 - Sep 25 Replay will be in the competition pool at Blackburn Leisure Centre as it has better drainage than Ewood Park
3

tractorboybig added 16:33 - Sep 25 well we got away with that one
-1

BeachBlue added 16:35 - Sep 25 Here's a thought for the Blackburn directors. Sort out your drainage issues!
4

Bugledog added 16:38 - Sep 25 We should give them a goal in the replay. And then beat them by 5....
0

ibisblue added 16:40 - Sep 25 Lingering memory of the match (aftermath).... was the diligent forking of the pitch/lake by 6 anaracked men! excellent value!
1

ipswichone added 16:40 - Sep 25 Blackburn seem desperate for the three points,maybe down to the fact they are relegation fodder,lol
1

BlueNomad added 16:43 - Sep 25 Dark horse, I guess that as you have lost your first three league games and appear to have little joy in your life I guess coming on here to spout your tedious rubbish must cast a little light into a corner of your mind.
1

runningout added 16:43 - Sep 25 Blimey sense prevailing from the EFL. Watch it chuck it down again :-)
1

Guthrum added 16:49 - Sep 25 Does the term "majoity decision" take into account the Champ rep abstentions, i.e. is that what makes it not unanimous, rather than people voting against?
2

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