Disciplinary Action Taken Against Swindon Town Captain Ollie Clarke
A seven-match ban has been handed down to Swindon Town captain Ollie Clarke after he was found guilty of committing "highly violating and intentional foul play" on two opponents' private body parts during a recent game. The 33-year-old midfielder, who is also facing a £2,750 fine, had admitted to two Football Association charges of acting in an improper manner or using indecent behaviour towards an opponent.
Clarke's actions took place in the 57th minute and 94th minute of Swindon's Carabao Cup defeat by Cardiff City on August 12. The incidents were said to have occurred during a period of rapid succession, with just 37 minutes separating the two events. A player who reported one of the incidents to the referee after the final whistle was visibly upset and struggled to speak.
In a statement, Swindon Town maintained that Clarke had committed the acts unintentionally, but the FA independent Regulatory Commission rejected this claim, stating that there was no plausible explanation for touching an opponent's private body parts during a game, especially when the match itself was not in motion. The commission's decision is seen as harsh by the club, who believe it falls short of the standard of proof beyond reasonable doubt and was instead based on the balance of probabilities.
Clarke will serve three games of his ban still, with his team looking to bounce back from their defeat against Cardiff City. However, the incident has raised questions about Clarke's conduct and the need for greater discipline in football.
A seven-match ban has been handed down to Swindon Town captain Ollie Clarke after he was found guilty of committing "highly violating and intentional foul play" on two opponents' private body parts during a recent game. The 33-year-old midfielder, who is also facing a £2,750 fine, had admitted to two Football Association charges of acting in an improper manner or using indecent behaviour towards an opponent.
Clarke's actions took place in the 57th minute and 94th minute of Swindon's Carabao Cup defeat by Cardiff City on August 12. The incidents were said to have occurred during a period of rapid succession, with just 37 minutes separating the two events. A player who reported one of the incidents to the referee after the final whistle was visibly upset and struggled to speak.
In a statement, Swindon Town maintained that Clarke had committed the acts unintentionally, but the FA independent Regulatory Commission rejected this claim, stating that there was no plausible explanation for touching an opponent's private body parts during a game, especially when the match itself was not in motion. The commission's decision is seen as harsh by the club, who believe it falls short of the standard of proof beyond reasonable doubt and was instead based on the balance of probabilities.
Clarke will serve three games of his ban still, with his team looking to bounce back from their defeat against Cardiff City. However, the incident has raised questions about Clarke's conduct and the need for greater discipline in football.
This disciplinary action seems a bit harsh to me, considering Ollie Clarke's admission that he made a mistake. A seven-match ban feels like overkill, especially since it's not like he intentionally tried to hurt anyone 
. The fact that the FA couldn't find any plausible explanation for what happened just makes it seem even more like an accident 
. And let's be real, a £2,750 fine is just crazy 
. It's like they're trying to send a message, but maybe they should've found a way to do that without breaking the player's spirit 
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. He touches two opponents' private parts during a game... like, what was he even thinking? And now he's getting banned from 7 games and has to pay £2,750? That's crazy! I don't think it's fair that he gets more punishment than some people who actually do serious crimes.
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, I think 7 matches is way too lenient for what he did 
! I mean, intentionally touching someone's private parts during a game? That's just disgusting 
. The FA is actually being far too soft on him 
. Three more games of his ban isn't enough punishment to make an example out of him 
. It's about time football took a stand against this kind of toxic behavior 
. Swindon Town is actually right to disagree with the FA's decision - it was a clear case of malicious intent 
!
he didnt do it on purpose, and its not like hes trying to hurt anyone. FA should be more understanding 
, dont wanna be too strict all the time... & whats with the £2,750 fine, thats crazy 
I mean Ollie Clarke is a captain and he just goes around touching ppl's privates like that?? 
. Maybe a fine and community service would've been better? 
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. I can see why Swindon Town is upset, but Clarke needs to take responsibility for his actions. This incident has definitely raised the bar for player conduct in football - teams need to make sure their players are on their best behavior on and off the field 
. It's gonna be interesting to see how Clarke bounces back from this, but for now, he's gotta face the music 
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. If Ollie Clarke is that careless with his actions, it could have serious consequences for his teammates and the team as a whole.
. It's not like he did it on purpose or anything 
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. Clarke did admit to being stupid and acting outta character tho, thats on him 
. FA thinks they r so perfect but honestly who knows wut really happened? maybe its just a big misunderstanding 
. But still, I feel bad for Ollie, 'cause it was an honest mistake, right? 
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