For deploying an ineligible player during their incredible Carabao Cup victory over Manchester United, Grimsby Town has been hit with a punishment. After a 2-2 draw, Bryan Mbeumo missed the vital penalty kick, and Ruben Amorim’s team lost 12–11 on penalties at Blundell Park.
After two mistakes by Andre Onana put United behind two goals at halftime, Mbeumo and Harry Maguire scored to tie the score. After that, the game proceeded straight to penalties, where Mbeumo’s shot struck the bar and sent Grimsby to the third round, ultimately eliminating United.
But after registering Clarke Oduor just one minute over the EFL’s required deadline, the Lincolnshire club has now been punished with a punishment. After Grimsby themselves reported the administrative error, the EFL board opened an investigation.
The Mariners have been fined by the EFL, which also confirmed their regulation infringement in a statement. However, considering that teams have been kicked out of the FA Cup in similar situations, it has raised concerns over whether Dave Artell’s squad should be eliminated from the competition for the violation.
For instance, in 2023, Barnsley was eliminated from the FA Cup after using an ineligible player in their victory over Horsham in the first round of replays.
However, the crucial detail is that the matter is now resolved, and Grimsby’s progression to the third round appears to have been rubber-stamped.
An EFL statement declared: “Following a comprehensive review of all the evidence and considering prior decisions taken in respect of offences in the League Cup, the Board determined that the issuing of a fine followed precedent.”
It’s significant to highlight that the FA and EFL operate under different regulations regarding this issue, with the FA treating the matter with greater severity. It’s understood that, at this point, United are not looking to appeal the decision.
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