Swindon Town “strongly condemn” the decision to suspend Ollie Clarke for seven games over two alleged incidents in the game against Cardiff City.
Robins captain Ollie Clarke was also fined £2,750 by an independent FA Regulatory Commission for alleged inappropriate and/or indecent behavior towards Cardiff players during their Carabao Cup meeting on August 12, 2025.
Despite Clarke admitting the allegations, Swindon has issued a strong statement condemning the decision, arguing it was based on the lower standard of “balance of probabilities” and not “beyond a reasonable doubt”.
The club maintains Clarke’s innocence and says the lengthy trial has had an impact on the footballer’s mental wellbeing, while expressing its full support for the 33-year-old. The written reasons for the sanction will be published by the Football Association later.
Swindon lost 2-1 to Cardiff in the first round of the Carabao Cup, with Clarke coming on as a half-time substitute and receiving a yellow card in the 52nd minute.
– FA spokesperson (@FAspokesperson) December 19, 2025
STATEMENT FROM THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION:
“Regulations and disciplinary update: An independent regulatory commission has disciplined Oliver Clarke of Swindon Town FC for two incidents of misconduct which occurred during the EFL Cup match against Cardiff City FC on Tuesday 12 August.
“It was alleged that the midfielder behaved inappropriately and/or engaged in indecent behavior towards an opposing player in the 57th minute and/or in the 94th minute.
“Oliver Clarke admitted the allegations against him and, following a hearing, the Regulatory Commission imposed a seven-match ban and a £2,750 fine.
“The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for the decision will be published in due course.”
Club statement: Ollie Clarke
— Swindon Town Football Club (@Official_STFC) December 19, 2025
SWINDON STATEMENT:
“Swindon Town Football Club strongly condemns the decision of an independent regulatory body to penalize Ollie Clarke and impose a seven-match ban following two alleged incidents during our Carabao Cup match against Cardiff City on August 12, 2025.
“The club considers that the decision did not meet the standard of proof beyond a 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 about the length of the process and the impact this process has had on Ollie’s mental wellbeing.
“As captain of the club, Ollie’s character and integrity have never been in question and he continues to enjoy the full support of the club, management and his team-mates.
“Swindon Town will continue to fully support Ollie Clarke following this decision.”
Swindon boss Ian Holloway spoke about Ollie Clarke and his position on the pitch before announcing his seven-match ban.
He told the media on Friday afternoon: “I don’t think Ollie gives a shit about where he plays as long as he’s in the team. I think whatever, with his experience, as long as he’s out there we usually do well, but he’s a very good midfielder.”
“Last year, when I arrived here, his calves were giving him problems. This year, Touch Wood, he changed the orthotics in his shoes, he has much softer ones and he doesn’t feel a single problem and he looks like he can leave everyone behind. To be honest, he’s not going to prove anything to me. I’ve already said that he’s my Rodri because without him sometimes we can’t win.”
“But we’ve also proven the opposite. So it’s a good group. They work 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 everyone. We have so many games in the rest of December and January that could trip us up if we stop doing what we do really well, which is chasing hard for each other and working for each other. That’s the biggest thing. And if anything I wonder if that was last year was here, I don’t think it was now, but it is now.”
Read more about what Ian Holloway had to say in his press conference ahead of the game against Crawley this weekend via Swindon Advertiser HERE.
Clarke has made 22 appearances in all competitions for Swindon so far, scoring 4 goals. His final goal came in the previous result, a 3-0 win over Bristol Rovers, helping Swindon to 3rd place in the League Two table.
