SWINDON TOWN are embroiled in an extraordinary bust-up with the Football Association following their already controversial EFL Trophy giant-killing this week.
The promotion chasers have been told they are in hot water for fielding banned skipper Ollie Clarke in Tuesday’s 2-1 last 16 victory over League One .
Swindon fielded ineligible player Ollie Clarke against LutonCredit: Will Cooper
Aaron Drinan also featured for the Robins despite not being named on the teamsheetCredit: Getty
Midfielder Clarke is just over halfway through a seven-match suspension for ‘violating’ the private parts of two opponents during a match against Cardiff last August – but only started his ban in December.
FA chiefs wrote to Swindon this week outlining the alleged blunder but are themselves being blamed for the bizarre cock-up.
Robins’ bosses insist they checked on the FA’s own disciplinary portal which lists the games Clarke is suspended for.
The Luton fixture was not there they say, meaning it is not considered a fully competitive first-team tournament and so believed Clarke’s ban did not apply.
Town chiefs have now recruited their own team of lawyers to fight the accusation which they hope will not derail their impressive season so far.
CEO Anthony Hall told SunSport: “The matter is in the hands of our legal team, so I cannot comment any further.”
The game at Luton’s Kenilworth Road ground is already being probed by the authorities after Swindon striker when his name wasn’t even on the team sheet.
Swindon admit there was a clerical error earlier in the day but that problems with Luton’s Wifi upon arrival for the game meant manager was unable to check the squad list on his club iPad and sign it off.
Instead, Swindon’s official matchday squad list had Ryan Tafazolli on it, leading the match to be stopped in the 67th minute.
The Luton bench, realising Drinan had come on despite not being registered on the official squad sheet, were left stunned by the turn of events and took some time before catching the attention of the referee.
Holloway, who was also blindsided by the confusion, offered to immediately substitute Drinan off when the mistake was realised.
Former star told him not to bother and the game carried on, with Swindon ending up coming from behind to win 2-1.
Speaking after the game, Holloway said it was a “major whoopsie” from the officials and admitted he expected some sort of action to be taken against the League Two outfit as a result.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
