Championship club 'extremely disappointed' after being told they have to play rescheduled match in FULL - despite leading 1-0 in the 80th minute before game was called off

Blackburn Rovers are furious at having to replay a Championship game in full that was abandoned with them a man and goal up. 

Rovers led Ipswich in the 80th minute at Ewood Park on Saturday and Jacob Greaves has been sent off for the Tractor Boys when the game had to be called off due to torrential rain. 

There had been speculation about what would happen next, with the fairest option seemingly being to restart the match with 10 minutes to go and the same scoreline at a later date. 

But the EFL has ruled that the teams must start from scratch and Blackburn are considering an appeal. 

In a club statement, they said: '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.'

The EFL acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, writing: 'The board [of the EFL] 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.

'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.'

The match on Saturday was initially paused by the referee Steve Martin due to heavy rainfall. 

With the weather unrelenting, the pitch became unplayable and the match had to be cancelled. 

Blackburn boss Valerien Ismael said his team had 'the right to want the three points'. It remains to be seen when the rematch will take place as Rovers consider their options. 

The teams sit 17th and 18th in the Championship so three points would have been significant for the hosts. 

Ipswich, meanwhile, will be counting their blessings having been up against it to fight back with a numerical disadvantage and a goal down.