Blackburn Rovers were left frustrated for a second time this season as their Championship fixture against Sheffield Wednesday was abandoned due to a waterlogged pitch at Ewood Park. The hosts were leading 1-0 when referee Ruebyn Ricardo made the decision to halt play, mirroring an earlier incident this campaign.
Ewood Park Pitch Fails Again
Yuki Ohashi had given Blackburn the lead in the 33rd minute with his fifth goal of the season, putting Valérien Ismaël's side on course for a vital victory. The only significant threat from the visitors came early in the second half when Bailey Cadamarteri's strike was saved by goalkeeper Aynsley Pears.
However, persistent heavy rain caused conditions to deteriorate rapidly. On the hour mark, the referee took the players off the field for a 10-minute period, allowing ground staff to attempt to clear the standing water. Despite their efforts, the downpour continued, and a subsequent inspection left the official with no choice but to abandon the match.
Fan Frustration and League Implications
The atmosphere turned mutinous, with home supporters once again voicing their discontent towards the club's owners, Venky's. The abandonment leaves Blackburn four points above the Championship relegation zone. For Sheffield Wednesday, who remain on -10 points following further deductions, the early finish spared them from a potential fifth consecutive defeat.
This incident marks the second time a Blackburn home game has been called off this season due to a waterlogged pitch, following a similar fate for a match against Ipswich Town, which Rovers were also leading 1-0 before the postponement.
Elsewhere in the Championship
The Championship weekend saw significant action beyond Ewood Park. Millwall secured a 1-0 win over Bristol City thanks to a second-half strike from Mihailo Ivanovic, but the game ended in ugly touchline scenes involving staff and players from both clubs.
League leaders Coventry City saw their five-match winning run emphatically ended, slumping to a 3-0 defeat away at Ipswich Town. Meanwhile, Sheffield United's revival continued with a dominant 4-0 victory over Stoke City at Bramall Lane, making it four league wins in a row.
Southampton gave new permanent manager Tonda Eckert the perfect start, beating Birmingham City 3-1 at St Mary's with a double from Adam Armstrong. In a dramatic late show, Watford came from behind to beat Norwich City 3-2, with Tom Ince scoring his 100th league goal 12 minutes from time.
In a tragic incident, the match between Charlton Athletic and Portsmouth was abandoned after a supporter was taken ill and later passed away in hospital. Both clubs expressed their condolences and thanked medical responders.
