Swindon Town captain Ollie Clarke has been handed a seven-match ban and fined £2,750 after the Football Association found him guilty of “highly violating and intentional foul play” during a Carabao Cup match against Cardiff City.

The 33-year-old midfielder, who joined Swindon from Mansfield Town in the summer of 2024, has made 55 appearances and scored eight goals for the club. Clarke’s ban stems from two incidents in which he committed foul play against opponents’ private body parts, occurring in the 57th and 94th minutes of the August 12 match.

FA Commission Findings

An independent FA Regulatory Commission described Clarke’s actions as aggravated due to the two incidents happening 37 minutes apart in the same game. The commission noted that a player who reported one of the incidents was “visibly upset, very emotional, and struggled to speak.”

While the specific details of the incidents were not disclosed, the commission stated that Clarke’s claim that the actions were unintentional was not accepted, emphasizing:

“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.”

Club Statement and Response

Swindon Town confirmed that Clarke maintains his innocence, stating that he only admitted the FA charges on the basis that both incidents were unintentional. The club added:

“The club continues to support Ollie and will do so moving forward.”

Following the initial ban last month, Swindon had expressed concern that the decision was based on the balance of probabilities, rather than proof “beyond reasonable doubt.”

Clarke last appeared for the Robins on 13 December, and he has three matches remaining to serve of his suspension.

Context and Impact

The ban represents one of the more serious disciplinary actions imposed on a Football League player this season, highlighting the FA’s commitment to player safety and proper conduct on the pitch. Swindon Town will need to adjust their midfield options in Clarke’s absence, which could affect their Carabao Cup and league campaign.

Clarke’s leadership role at the club and his on-field experience make the suspension a significant blow to manager [Insert Manager Name]’s squad depth and tactical options.