Blackburn Rovers are considering launching an appeal after the EFL confirmed that their abandoned fixture against Ipswich Town will be replayed in full.
The Tractor Boys travelled to Ewood Park last weekend searching for their second successive win following an impressive 5-0 victory over Sheffield United. However, it appeared as if they were on course for their second defeat of the campaign after defender Jacob Greaves was sent off and Rovers leading through a Todd Cantwell penalty.
Kieran McKenna’s side were handed a lifeline in the 80th minute though when a downpour stopped the ball rolling, leading to the game to be abandoned. This afternoon, the EFL announced that the game shall be replayed in full at a later date.
Blackburn Consider Appeal
Shortly after the announcement, Blackburn condemned the decision and confirmed they were exploring all options, including an appeal. In a statement released on official club media, they said:
“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’ 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.”
Writer’s View
Blackburn’s frustration is completely understandable but the EFL’s decision is absolutely the right one. Although they were a goal up against 10 men, there was absolutely no guarantee they would go on to win the game. See Sunderland vs Aston Villa at the weekend as an example. There’s also an example from the 2023/24 season, where Leyton Orient vs Lincoln City was abandoned with six minutes remaining due to a medical emergency in the stadium. Orient were 1-0 up in that encounter, although lost the replayed fixture a month later.
