Blackburn boss sets record straight on Ipswich postponement claim – ‘I never agreed’

Valerien Ismael has broken his silence after Blackburn Rovers’ clash with Ipswich Town was abandoned due to a waterlogged pitch and insists he never agreed to call the game off

Blackburn Rovers boss Valerien Ismael insists he never agreed to postpone their game with Ipswich Town at the weekend after their Championship clash was abandoned in the 80th minute.

The 49-year-old has hit back at claims that both managers agreed to postpone the game following heavy rainfall at Ewood Park with referee Stephen Martin deeming the pitch unplayable. Rovers were 1-0 up at the time of the abandonment, thanks to a Todd Cantwell penalty, with Ipswich down to ten men after Jacob Greaves had been shown a red card in the second half.

An EFL statement following the game claimed that both Kieran McKenna and Ismael had agreed to postpone the clash, stating: “The decision was taken in agreement with both managers. The Board will now consider what action is to be taken as a result of the abandonment, in line with EFL Regulations.”

READ MORE: EFL handed Blackburn Rovers vs Ipswich Town replay verdict – ‘What else can you do?’READ MORE: Championship game ABANDONED minutes before full-time as players taken off pitch

However, the Rovers boss has since disputed that claim. “It was chaotic after the game and we had to accept the decision,” he told RoversTV. “The referee abandoned the game and we go from there and wait for the decision. We have made our points on the situation and have prepared our case.

“We were the team pushing, we were on the front foot and we expect to get the reward, because we think that’s the fair thing to do. One thing from my side that has to be really clear is that I saw a report from the EFL at the end of the game.

“I never agreed to stop the game. I had no choice because the referee made his point clear that he had to abandon the game.

“He said the pitch was unplayable, he said sorry and explained that the EFL will make the decision. I never had to agree to anything because the decision was made. That’s a clear point to make from our position – we didn’t agree anything.”

“It’s clear, when you’re 1-0 up, the opponents are down to ten men and you have the momentum,” Ismael added. “On one hand, they can score a goal, but what is right for Ipswich is also right for us, and we have the possibility of scoring a goal as well.

“We faced the situation against Norwich when we were down to ten and were pushing. We had the feeling we could score, but we conceded a second goal at the end and lost the game.

“For us, we have the right to want the three points from the situation, as I think that’s the fairest thing to do when the opponent is down to ten. At 11 v 11, it’s a different situation, but this situation was clear.

“We had a clear advantage and the statistical data shows that we were on the front foot since the red card. There are no rules and it’s a grey area. It’s put the integrity of football in danger because everyone can speculate on anything in every game to try to stop any game.

“It’s difficult to know what will be the outcome, but this is a case that should be taken seriously, as this is one that will be a precedent case. I hope we can get a decision in our favour.”

Both Rovers and Ipswich Town have made their case to the EFL regarding the outcome of the postponement and are awaiting a decision.

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