The Football Association has released the detailed written reasons behind the significant seven-match suspension and £2,750 fine handed to Swindon Town captain Ollie Clarke, citing 'highly invasive and violating' acts of foul play.
The Incidents and Official Findings
The governing body confirmed that the 33-year-old midfielder committed two separate acts during a match on 12 August last year. The first occurred in the 57th minute, with the second taking place deep into stoppage time in the 94th minute. The opponents, who have remained anonymous, were both subjected to what the FA's Independent Regulatory Commission described as intentional and violating contact.
In their report, the panel stated there was 'no plausible explanation' for Clarke's behaviour. They emphasised that 'touching an opponent’s private body parts during a game', particularly when the ball was not in play, constituted an 'extremely serious and unusual' incident that was 'highly invasive, intrusive and violating'.
Impact on Victims and Club Response
The profound effect on one of the victims, a Cardiff City player, played a key role in determining the punishment. Match referee Elliot Bell reported that the player approached him 'visibly upset' and 'very emotional and struggling to speak' after the match, a detail included in his official report.
Despite Clarke admitting the charges during the hearing, he argued both incidents were unintentional—a claim the commission firmly rejected. The panel noted the second incident was an aggravated offence as it occurred 37 minutes after the first.
In a statement on the club website, Swindon Town acknowledged the FA's published reasons but reiterated Clarke's stance. 'Throughout the process, Ollie Clarke maintained his innocence and only admitted the charges on the basis that both charges were unintentional,' the club said, adding they would continue to support their captain.
Lengthy Ban and Manager's Fury
The commission applied a starting point of a nine-match ban before reducing it to seven under the principle of totality. They concluded that 'the indecency of this action requires an immediate sporting sanction of no less than six matches.'
Swindon manager Ian Holloway reacted with anger to the punishment last month, labelling it 'ridiculous'. Defending his player, Holloway told the Swindon Advertiser, 'He’s honest, hard-working and aggressive — what more do you need? But is he overly aggressive? I don’t think so.' He also criticised the lengthy process involved in dealing with the case.
The FA's full written reasons now provide stark context for one of the more unusual and serious disciplinary cases in recent English football.
