Blackburn Rovers sends EFL message about Ipswich Town game

Blackburn Rovers head coach, Valerien Ismael. <i>(Image: CameraSport - Rich Linley)</i>
Blackburn Rovers head coach, Valerien Ismael. (Image: CameraSport - Rich Linley)
This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald.

Valerien Ismael has insisted he did not agree for Blackburn Rovers' match against Ipswich Town to be abandoned and reiterated the club expect to be awarded the three points.

The Blackburn Rovers head coach did not speak to the media after Saturday's game was called off to avoid prejudicing the EFL's decision. At the time of writing, the governing body are still considering their options.

However, the club have now released an interview with Ismael, where he reiterates Rovers' stance on the matter. He denied any claims he was consulted about whether to continue, insisting referee Stephen Martin made the decision on his own.

"It was chaotic after the game," Ismael told RoversTV.

READ MORE: 'Proved correct' - Blackburn Rovers icon reveals concern which prompted exit

"We had to accept the decision. The referee abandoned the game. So we go from there.

"We are waiting now for the decision. We made our points on the situation. We prepared our case to say, at that point, we were the pushing team, we were on the front foot.

"We were clearly in an advantage and the statistics, the data, everything shows that we were on the front foot since the red card.

"So we expected that we get the reward because I think this is the fair thing to do. But apart from that, one thing from my side has to be really clear. I saw a report from the EFL at the end of the game and I never agreed to stop the game.

"So I had no choice because the referee made clear that he had to abandon the game. The pitch was unplayable and he said sorry and the EFL will make the decision. So I never had to agree to anything because the decision was made.

"So I think this is a clear point to make from our position. We never agreed anything."

Ismael's focus is now back on preparing for Charlton Athletic this weekend. Ironically, the sun has been shining and the weather a complete contrast in recent days.

The head coach was delighted with his team's performance and is taking plenty of positives from that.

"I think that it was a great performance from the player," he continued.

"So after we get that consistent performance and at the same time, we start to get the result. I think it gives the player that confidence. This is what we want to keep in our mind.

"The main thing, the main message now is to stay focused for the next game. Everything now is out of control.

"What was in our control, we did what we had to do to defend our interests for us, for our fans, and now hopefully we can get a decision in our favour.

"We are back on the pitch and focused on the next game. As I say, it's something you cannot influence now. What we can influence is what happened on the pitch, our performance, and our performance is on a daily basis in a training session."

Get involved
with the news

Send your news & photos