Blackburn vs Ipswich to be replayed IN FULL as EFL release statement

The EFL have confirmed that Blackburn Rovers and Ipswich Town should replay their match in full despite being abandoned in the 79th minute. Heavy rainfall caused the playing surface at Ewood Park to become unplayable.

Blackburn led 1-0 through a second-half penalty from captain Todd Cantwell. Ipswich were also down to ten men after referee Steve Martin sent off Jacob Greaves.

Rovers have said they are "extremely disappointed by the outcome" that "fails to take into account the significant advantages Rovers held at the time of abandonment." The club "will consider all options, including the right to appeal the decision."

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A statement released by the EFL on Thursday afternoon 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.

"Following due consideration, the three Championship Directors abstained from the vote.

"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." The statement from Blackburn in response 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’ 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."

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