Swindon Town ‘strongly condemn’ the decision to ban Ollie Clarke for seven games over two alleged incidents in the game against Cardiff City.
The Robins captain Ollie Clarke has also been hit with a £2,750 fine by an independent FA Regulatory Commission for alleged improper and/or indecent behaviour towards Cardiff players during their Carabao Cup meeting on the 12th of August 2025.
Despite Clarke admitting the charges, Swindon have issued a strong statement condemning the decision, arguing it was based on the lower “balance of probabilities” standard rather than “beyond reasonable doubt”.
The club maintains Clarke’s innocence, saying that the lengthy process has had an impact on the footballer’s mental well-being, while also showing full support for the 33 year old. Written reasons for the sanction will be published by the Football Association later.
Swindon lost 2-1 by Cardiff during the first round of the Carabao Cup, with Clarke coming on as a substitute at half-time and got booked in the 52nd minute.
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— FA Spokesperson (@FAspokesperson) December 19, 2025
STATEMENT FROM THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION:
“Regulation and Discipline Update: An independent Regulatory Commission has sanctioned Swindon Town FC’s Oliver Clarke for two incidents of misconduct that took place during their EFL Cup tie against Cardiff City FC on Tuesday 12 August.
“It was alleged that the midfielder acted in an improper manner and/or used indecent behaviour towards an opposing player around the 57th minute and another opposing player around the 94th minute.
“Oliver Clarke admitted the charges against him, and the Regulatory Commission imposed a seven-match suspension and a £2,750 fine following a hearing.
“The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons regarding the decision will be published in due course.”
Club Statement: Ollie Clarke
— Swindon Town Football Club (@Official_STFC) December 19, 2025
STATEMENT BY SWINDON:
“Swindon Town Football Club strongly condemns the decision of an independent regulatory panel to sanction Ollie Clarke and impose a seven-match suspension following two alleged incidents during our Carabao Cup fixture against Cardiff City on 12 August 2025.
“The Club believes the decision falls short of the standard of proof beyond reasonable doubt and was instead based on the balance of probabilities. Throughout this lengthy process, Ollie Clarke has consistently maintained his innocence, a position that has never wavered.
“We are concerned by the prolonged nature of the proceedings and the impact this process has had on Ollie’s mental well-being.
“As a club captain, Ollie’s character and integrity have never been in question, and he continues to have the full support of the club, the management, and his teammates.
“Swindon Town will continue to support Ollie Clarke fully in the aftermath of this decision.”
Swindon boss Ian Holloway spoke of Ollie Clarke and his position on the pitch, prior to the announcement of his seven game ban.
He said to the media on Friday afternoon: “I don’t think Ollie gives one hoop about where he plays, as long as he’s in the team. I think no matter, with his experience, as long as he’s out there, we normally do well, but he is a very good midfield player.
“His calves last year, when I first got here, were causing him problems. This year, touch wood, he’s changed his orthotics in his shoes, he has got much softer ones, and he’s not feeling one problem, and he looks like he can outrun everybody. To be honest, he ain’t going to prove anything to me. I’ve already said he’s my Rodri, because we can’t win without him at times.
“But we’ve proved that wrong as well. So it’s a good group. They’re working hard, and I want to see them grow mentally and physically. We’re not even halfway through the season yet, so I just have to remind everybody that. We have got so many games in the rest of December and January that could trip us up if we stop doing what we’re really good at, which is chasing and working hard for each other and caring. That’s that’s the biggest thing. And if anybody wants to ask me, was that here last year, I don’t think it was now, but it is now.”
Read more of what Ian Holloway had to say in his press conference ahead of this weekend’s game against Crawley via Swindon Advertiser HERE.
Clarke has so far made 22 appearances in all competitions for Swindon, scoring 4 goals, his most recent coming in the previous result, a 3-0 win over Bristol Rovers, helping Swindon to 3rd place in the League Two table.
