‘Deeply disappointed’ – EFL club rage at ‘unfair outcome’ after being kicked out of cup competition

Swindon Town have been booted out of the Vertu Trophy.

In an EFL statement, the Robins were expelled due to ‘breaches of EFL Regulations and EFL Trophy rules’.

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“The Club has also been issued with a fine of £40,000, of which £20,000 will be suspended and which will be automatically payable if the Club fields or names on a team sheet an ineligible player before the end of the 2026/27 season,” the statement added.

The breaches are related to when Swindon fielded two ineligible players against Luton Town in their Vertu Trophy round of 16 clash on January 13, which the Robins won 2-1.

“The Club played Oliver Clarke, who was serving a seven-game suspension from the Football Association,” the statement continued.

“In addition, Aaron Drinan, who started the second half of the tie, was not named on the official team sheet.”

Clarke had been suspended after being found guilty of committing highly violating acts of foul play on two separate players when Swindon played Cardiff City last August.

As a result, Luton have been given a spot in the Vertu Trophy quarter-finals, where they will face Plymouth Argyle.

The clash was initially scheduled to be played on February 10 but is set to be contested on a different date following a request from Plymouth on Wednesday.

In a club statement, a ‘deeply disappointed’ Swindon fired back at the EFL’s decision but vowed to ‘reflect’ on the incident.

Swindon’s statement on instant exit

“Swindon Town Football Club is deeply disappointed by the Independent Disciplinary Commission’s decision to remove the club from this season’s Vertu Trophy,” the Swindon statement read.

“We strongly believe this outcome is unfair and do not agree with the findings.

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“That said, we respect the disciplinary process and the authority of the commission.

“Right now, our focus has to be on moving forward together as a football club.

“We will take time to reflect, learn from what has happened, and make sure we continue to meet the highest standards in everything we do.

“Above all, our priority remains with our players, staff, and supporters.

“We will keep backing them fully as we push on and compete with everything we have in our remaining fixtures this season.”

News of Swindon’s expulsion comes days after Robins manager Ian Holloway delivered an all-time spray in the direction of FA officials in regards to Clarke’s ban.

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Clarke was banned for Swindon’s 3-1 win over Barrow on Saturday, but the news of his exclusion came just 24 hours prior to the contest.

“I’ve rung the League Managers Association to complain – I think it’s unprofessional,” Holloway said.

“They want to fine me? Good! They want to ban me? Good! Do it. Have a look at yourselves every single one of you. It’s absolutely disgusting.

“And whether I get another game or not I don’t really care anymore.”

Holloway added: “It’s a siege mentality in my head now, absolutely totally and utterly.

“And if Luton go through, good luck to you. We beat you fair and poxy square.

“I’m not having our club secretary dragged through the coals, left, right and centre.

“You have a look at yourselves first. I know how wrong you are, you cowards.”