The EFL has confirmed that Blackburn Rovers' abandoned Championship clash with Ipswich Town will be replayed in full, despite the Lancashire club's frustration at losing their late advantage. The match was called off in the 79th minute with Blackburn leading 1-0 against ten-man Ipswich, but a majority EFL Board vote has ruled the fixture must restart.
Blackburn-Ipswich abandoned; EFL wipe unfinished match
Blackburn were leading Ipswich 1-0 at Ewood Park when torrential rain waterlogged the pitch and forced the referee to abandon play just ten minutes from time. The visitors had already been reduced to ten players after Jacob Greaves' dismissal, with Todd Cantwell's penalty putting Rovers ahead. Despite being in a strong position to have gone and win the game, the score-line has now been wiped away, as revealed by EFL's statement on Thursday.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesEFL Board reveal decision to restart game from scratch
The EFL Board said: "The Sky Bet Championship fixture between Blackburn Rovers and Ipswich Town should be replayed in full following its abandonment.
"The Board comprehensively considered all options alongside representations made by both clubs and decided by a majority that the fixture should be replayed. This decision follows recent precedents relating to abandoned fixtures and upholds the integrity of the league."
Getty Images SportBlackburn Rovers rage at EFL's decision
Blackburn responded angrily to the announcement, saying they were denied a deserved win given their late advantage in the original fixture.
In a lengthy statement, the club said: "At the time of the abandonment, Rovers were leading 1-0 and Ipswich Town had been reduced to 10 men…Rovers were on course to record a third Championship victory in four games. The club is extremely disappointed by the outcome, which fails to take into account the significant advantages Rovers held at the time of abandonment."
The 1994-95 Premier League champions confirmed they are considering an appeal.
When will the match be replayed?
A new date for the replay will be agreed between both clubs and the EFL in due course. Blackburn will now have to refocus on their upcoming league fixtures while deciding whether to pursue further action against the ruling.
Ipswich, meanwhile, may benefit from the reset as they prepare to go again with a full squad.
