EFL star slapped with seven-match ban for committing fouls on ‘private body parts’
Swindon Town skipper Ollie Clarke has copped a seven-match ban and £2,750 fine after he committed fouls on two opponents’ ‘private body parts’.
According to a disciplinary report overseen by an FA independent regulatory commission, Clarke committed the offences, described as ‘highly violating and intentional foul play’, in the 57th and 94th minute of Swindon’s 2-1 loss to Cardiff City in the Carabao Cup on August 12.
The report adds one of the Cardiff players approached referee Elliot Bell at the end of the match and was ‘visibly upset’ when he disclosed details of Clarke’s act.
Bell also stated the Cardiff player was ‘very emotional and struggling to speak’.
There is no description of Clarke’s act in the report.
Following the report’s publication, Swindon issued a statement in which they acknowledged the reasons published by the FA regarding Clarke.
“Throughout the process Ollie Clarke maintained his innocence and only admitted the charges on the basis that both charges were unintentional,” the statement read.
“The club continues to support Ollie and will do so moving forward Swindon Town Football Club will be making no further comment at this time.”
However, the FA’s report disputes Swindon’s claim as the ‘Commission did not accept the Player’s view that neither of the acts were intentional.’
The report adds ‘there was no plausible explanation to be touching an opponent’s private body parts during a game’, with Clarke’s offences also occurring when the game ‘was not in motion’.
Clarke’s seven-match ban began on December 19 and has three more games to serve.
The 33-year-old’s last appearance for Swindon was on December 13, where he netted in a 3-0 win away at Bristol Rovers.
Clarke has made 55 appearances for Swindon since he joined in May 2024, 22 of which have come in the 2025/26 season.
In Clarke’s absence, Swindon have won three and lost once, with the sole defeat coming on Boxing Day in a 1-0 loss to MK Dons.
Ian Holloway’s side sit second in League Two on 46 points, three clear of the play-off spots.
The Robins are aiming for a return to the third tier having been relegated from League One at the end of the 2020/21 campaign.
Swindon’s next clash is an EFL Trophy fixture against Luton Town, who are managed by Jack Wilshere, on Tuesday at 7pm.
