Henrik Pederson sorry for Sheffield Wednesday fans after Blackburn abandonment

Sheffield Wednesday manager Henrik Pedersen expressed sympathy for their travelling supporters after the match at Blackburn was abandoned after an hour due to a waterlogged pitch.

It was more frustrating for Rovers, who led 1-0 and saw a second game of the season abandoned when ahead due to the weather.

In a cruel twist of fate, Valerien Ismael’s men came into this game after conceding a late equaliser in the rearranged fixture against Ipswich – a game they were also originally on course to win 1-0.

This time, Yuki Ohashi’s fifth of the campaign had given Rovers the lead in the 33rd minute and, although Wednesday had edged back into proceedings, Blackburn had only faced one moment of real danger when Bailey Cadamarteri’s strike was saved by Aynsley Pears early in the second half.

But conditions were visibly deteriorating and referee Ruebyn Ricardo called the teams off for 10 minutes while the ground staff tried to remove the surface water.

Despite their best efforts, the rain continued to fall and after another inspection, the official had little option but to call for an abandonment.

Pedersen said: “Today was not a great day for playing football. As everyone could see, the conditions were very poor.

“Player safety must always come first and, as the rain showed no signs of stopping at all, the pitch became totally unplayable.

“The disappointment of not getting to finish the game and fighting for a result feels secondary to the disappointment the players, my staff and I feel for our supporters.

“At this time of year, so close to Christmas and in conditions like this, we appreciate how much effort and sacrifice they make to support us at every ground we visit.

“I am sorry to see their day called off early.”

The EFL Board will consider what action is to be taken as a result of the abandonment.