Clarke given one-game ban for EFL Trophy appearance

Swindon Town captain Ollie Clarke has been given a one-game ban for appearing in an EFL Trophy match while already serving a suspension.

Clarke played in the competition against Luton Town on 13 January despite being in the midst of a seven-game ban.

The 33-year-old received the lengthy ban from the Football Association (FA) for committing "highly violating and intentional foul play" on two opponents' "private body parts" in Swindon's Carabao Cup defeat by Cardiff City in August.

He returned for Swindon's midweek League Two defeat by Notts County but will now be banned for Saturday's home game against Barrow.

Swindon have also been fined £1,000 by the FA.

The club said they "strongly contested" the charges.

"We are satisfied that our position was robustly defended and that we stood up for both the club and our player," a Swindon statement said., external

"The decision is frustrating given the strength of the submissions made on our behalf and the circumstances surrounding the case.

"We believe we took every reasonable step available to us and stood resolutely in support of our player throughout the process."

Swindon still face another charge from the same EFL Trophy game after they brought on Aaron Drinan at the start of the second half, despite him not being named on the team sheet.

That charge is still being investigated.