Ipswich 'decide' on giving Blackburn a goal in replayed match after EFL statement

Ipswich Town have reportedly decided against gifting Blackburn Rovers an unopposed goal when the two replay their Championship fixture. The pair's recent meeting was abandoned in the 79th minute when heavy rain caused the pitch to become unplayable, with Blackburn leading 1-0 at the time.

It was decided by the EFL last month that the match would be replayed in full, even though only 11 minutes of regulation time remained on the clock. Blackburn refuted the decision, insisting the match should be resumed from the 79th-minute mark, but they were unsuccessful with their wish.

It's a decision that has already enraged those connected to Rovers, but a report from Sky Sports suggests that Ipswich won't even consider giving Blackburn a one-goal headstart when the match is replayed. The outlet states no formal request has been made by Blackburn, and even if there was, Ipswich would refuse the offer.

Obviously, instances of teams gifting opponents a 'free' goal are few and far between, with one of the most high-profile examples coming during an Aston Villa vs Leeds United match in 2019.

The two were competing in the Championship at the time when an Aston Villa player went down injured, with Leeds scoring after the away side had stopped in their tracks. Rather remarkably, Marcelo Bielsa instructed his players to allow the West Midlands outfit an unopposed run at goal straight from kick-off, with Aston Villa allowed to tap the ball into an empty net.

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There will be no such shenanigans when the Blackburn vs Ipswich match is replayed at Ewood Park. A statement from the EFL announcing the decision explained: "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 continued: "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.