Manchester United may have felt relieved after the news of Grimsby’s mistake in the shocking knockout from the Carabao Cup last week. But, things seems to be looking off as the management is looking another angle. The game which ended 12-13 in favour of Grimby had the winner featured an enlegitimate player.
The League Two side brought on midfielder Clarke Oduor, who had joined on loan the day before from Bradford City, as a substitute but later realised he had been registered one minute and 59 seconds after the 12:00 BST deadline.
Oduor came on in the 73rd minute and had his penalty saved by Andre Onana in the shootout, but Grimsby won 12-11. In a statement the EFL said, external Grimsby reported the breach themselves and the “club’s non-compliance was not deliberate with no intention to deceive or mislead”.
They have been fined £20,000 for fielding an ineligible player in the game. It is also said that must pay £10,000, with the remaining £10,000 suspended until the end of the season.
Manchester United, who were told of the situation on Monday, will not be pursuing a return to this season’s competition. The EFL said the board’s decision to issue a fine “followed precedent” and was taken after a “comprehensive review of all the evidence and considering prior decisions taken in respect of offences in the League Cup”.
“The registration was submitted to the EFL at one minute past the deadline and the issue was not immediately identified by the club due to a computer problem being experienced.” “We accept the fine imposed and fully recognise the importance of adhering to competition rules. This mistake was not deliberate, and the club acted transparently by self-reporting the breach as soon as it came to light.”
“Since this incident, we have undertaken a thorough review of our processes and implemented strengthened measures to ensure it cannot happen again.” “We thank the EFL board for recognising our co-operation and intent.”
