SWINDON TOWN captain Ollie Clarke was banned for seven matches in December for committing fouls on the “private body parts” of two opponents, the Football Association revealed on Monday.
An independent regulatory commission said in partly redacted written reasons that it considered the midfielder’s actions to have been “highly violating and intentional foul play.”
Swindon captain Ollie Clarke was banned for fouling “private body parts” of opponents, the FA have revealedCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
The 33-year-old has been defended by his club over the decisionCredit: Will Cooper
The statement adds: “The commission did not accept the player’s view that neither of the acts were intentional.
“The Commission recognised that there was no plausible explanation to be during a game (especially when the match itself was not in motion).”
It continued that Clarke acted “in an improper manner and/or used indecent behaviour towards an opposing player.”
The incidents happened during the League Two (fourth-tier) side’s League Cup 2-1 first round loss at Cardiff City last August.
Clarke, 33, was also fined £2,750 pounds when he was banned last month after maintaining his innocence.
Swindon condemned the ban at the time, saying: “The decision falls short of the standard of proof beyond reasonable doubt and was instead based on the balance of probabilities.
“As a club captain, Ollie’s character and integrity have never been in question, and he continues to have the full support of the club, the management, and his teammates.”
Clarke has played 22 times this season for Swindon, scoring four goals and assisting one in all competitions.
His side are currently second in and chasing down leaders Bromley.
They go to Luton on Tuesday in the , another game Clarke will miss having sat out the previous four in the league.
The initial explanation was not published by the FA but a five-page document has been released now.
Parts of the official reasons have been redacted with the case against then-Preston defender Darnell Fisher as he was banned for three games for grabbing the genitals of a Sheffield Wednesday player in 2020.
Clarke is described as being “very emotional and struggling to speak” when talking to the referee the match.
The written reasons say: “In summary, in respect of Charge One, the Commission considered the actions of the Player to be highly violating and intentional foul play which, even if it was to be viewed as being reckless, would invite no mitigatory relief.
“In respect of Charge Two, the Commission considered the actions of the Player to, again, be highly violating and intentional foul play with the further aggravated factor of the incident occurring 37 mins after the first incident within the same match.
“The Commission did not accept the Player’s view that neither of the acts were intentional.
“The Commission recognised that there was no plausible explanation to be touching an opponent’s private body parts during a game (especially when the match itself was not in motion).
“In respect of Charge 2, the Commission considers this to be an extremely serious and unusual incident necessitating a severe sanction.
“However argued, the Player’s of an opponent is a highly invasive/intrusive and violating action. As such, the sanction should be in excess of that of violent conduct.
“The Commission concurred that the indecency of this action requires an immediate sporting sanction of no less than 6 matches and 1 week’s wages.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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