Ipswich stance on giving Blackburn 'unopposed' goal revealed after EFL replay decision

Ipswich Town have no plans to allow Blackburn Rovers to score a goal unopposed in their controversially rearranged match. The original fixture on September 20 was abandoned in the 80th minute due to a waterlogged pitch when torrential rain hit Blackburn's Ewood Park.

Rovers were 1-0 up when match referee Stephen Martin called time on the game. Todd Cantwell's second-half penalty had given Blackburn the lead, shortly after Ipswich had been reduced to 10 men following Jacob Greaves' red card, for which he served a one-match ban.

Both clubs were consulted for their points of view ahead of the EFL's decision which Blackburn were left 'very disappointed' by. And Rovers chiefs will be even more disappointed to learn that Ipswich aren't planning to give them a 1-0 lead straight after kick-off.

READ MORE: Blackburn boss sets record straight on Ipswich postponement claim - 'I never agreed'

Sky Sports report that the Kieran McKenna's side won't consider allowing Blackburn to run through and score a goal unopposed at the start of the match. No date for the rescheduled fixture has been given.

The EFL could've decided to award Blackburn a 1-0 win and count it as a completed match or play the remaining 10 minutes of time plus stoppages on another date. Instead, Blackburn and Ipswich will have to lock horns again in Lancashire for what's now a fixture of increased significance.

In a statement, the EFL described the decision as 'incredibly difficult' to make and added that they're planning to consult clubs regarding amending the existing rules on abandonments. "The board [of the EFL] comprehensively considered all options available in accordance with the regulations alongside representations made by both clubs," it read.

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"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.

"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."

Blackburn said in response: "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.

"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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