Blackburn Rovers have asked Ipswich Town to allow them to score when their abandoned Championship clash is replayed in full.
The EFL ordered the fixture to be restarted after torrential rain left Ewood Park unplayable with Rovers leading 1-0, sparking frustration among the home side.
Replay Decision Sparks Controversy
Referee Stephen Martin abandoned last weekend’s match with ten minutes left after heavy rain caused the surface to become waterlogged. Blackburn were ahead through Todd Cantwell’s strike and had a numerical advantage after Ipswich had a man sent off. Despite the state of the game at the time, the EFL ruled the tie should be replayed in full rather than the result standing.
The decision has provoked an angry response from the Lancashire club, who felt the outcome should have been confirmed in their favour. In a statement, Blackburn described themselves as “disappointed” and said they had “no option but to accept” the ruling, though discussions have continued behind the scenes.
Blackburn’s Proposal
Reports suggest Rovers have now written to the EFL asking that Ipswich allow them to score an uncontested goal when the game is restarted, effectively restoring the advantage they lost when the match was called off. The suggestion is said to have been made in an attempt to find a sporting resolution to what they view as an unfair situation.
Such a request would be highly unusual, but not unprecedented. In 2019, Marcelo Bielsa famously instructed his Leeds United side to allow Aston Villa to equalise after scoring a controversial goal at Elland Road. There was also a similar incident in 2007 when Leicester City permitted Nottingham Forest to net during a League Cup tie. However, for an entire fixture to begin with an uncontested goal would be a rare occurrence in English football.
Awaiting Clarity
No date has yet been confirmed for the rearranged match, with scheduling further complicated by both clubs’ domestic and cup commitments. The EFL has not publicly commented on Blackburn’s request, and it remains to be seen whether Ipswich would agree to such an arrangement or whether the authorities would permit it.
Blackburn manager Valérien Ismaël has already voiced his frustration, saying his side deserved to be “rewarded” for their display before the abandonment. Ipswich, meanwhile, have stated they’re not going to hand any advantage to their opponents.
“As I say, you’d be frustrated if you’re in the Blackburn situation because they’ll feel like they were in a good position to go on and get a result,” said manager McKenna. “But I don’t think there’s a decision to make or too much else to discuss. The conditions were unplayable, in my opinion, from probably about half-time onwards.”
Kieran McKenna when asked if Ipswich should give Blackburn a goal head start or play with 10 men in their replayed fixture:
“I don’t even think they’re worth justifying with a thought, to be honest.”
Brutal, but true.#ITFC #Rovers pic.twitter.com/HBKVfFm0nn
— The Real EFL (@RealEFLSocial) September 26, 2025
Writer’s View
The controversy highlights a grey area in EFL regulations, where abandonment decisions can leave one side feeling aggrieved. Blackburn’s request may appear unusual, yet it reflects a desire to find fairness in a situation that denied them a potential three points.
Whether Ipswich and the EFL agree is another matter entirely, but the debate underscores the difficulties faced when external factors, such as the weather, intervene in decisive Championship fixtures.
