Taylor Gardner-Hickman has voiced his frustration at the EFL’s decision to order a full replay of Blackburn Rovers’ abandoned Championship fixture against Ipswich Town.
The initial meeting at Ewood Park on 20 September was called off in the 80th minute after heavy rain left the pitch unplayable. At the time of the abandonment, Blackburn were 1-0 up through a Todd Cantwell penalty, while Ipswich had been reduced to 10 men following Jacob Greaves’ red card.
After reviewing submissions from both clubs, the EFL ruled that the match must be replayed in its entirety. That verdict has angered Rovers, who felt firmly in control and on course for victory before the referee’s intervention.
Gardner-Hickman, speaking to the BBC, did not hold back in his assessment:
“It’s not something I’ve ever experienced. I’ve no words on how they came to that decision. I think it’s embarrassing for football. If you ask most people around the world, they wouldn’t understand it. But that’s football – we have to move on and do it again when they come back.”
The midfielder argued that football’s governing bodies should revisit the rules, suggesting that any match abandoned after the 75th minute should see the existing result stand.
“Everyone knows we were 1-0 up, against 10 men, and dominating the game. Anything can happen in football, but the EFL didn’t take that into account. A clear cut-off point would prevent this kind of situation in the future.”
Despite his frustration, Gardner-Hickman stressed that Rovers cannot let the decision derail their campaign.
“We can’t dwell on it too much. We’ve got a good squad, good staff, and the right environment to put it behind us.”
Blackburn, currently sitting 22nd in the Championship after two wins in seven, still hold a game in hand thanks to the abandoned fixture. They return to action on 4 October with a home clash against Stoke City.
While the ruling has handed Ipswich an unexpected reprieve, the replay will give Rovers another chance to prove their superiority – even if many at Ewood Park feel the three points should already have been theirs.