For using an ineligible player in their unexpected second-round victory over Manchester United in August, Grimsby Town was fined.
The Carabao Cup was lost by Manchester United, as Bryan Mbeumo missed the game-ending penalty. The Carabao Cup was lost by Manchester United, as Bryan Mbeumo missed the game-ending penalty. Getty Images
A fine has been imposed on Grimsby Town for using an illegal player in their unexpected Carabao Cup victory over Manchester United.
Bryan Mbeumo missed a crucial penalty kick following a 2-2 draw, and Ruben Amorim’s team lost 12–11 on penalties at Blundell Park.
A fine has been imposed on the Lincolnshire-based team for registering Clarke Oduor barely one minute past the EFL’s mandatory deadline.
The EFL board then opened an investigation when Grimsby brought attention to the administrative blunder. In order to verify the Mariners’ violation of the rules, the EFL issued a statement and punished them.
Since then, questions have been raised over whether Dave Artell’s squad should be eliminated from the competition due to violations, given that teams have been kicked out of the FA Cup in previous instances.
After Barnsley used an ineligible player in their first-round replay victory over Horsham in 2023, they were eliminated from the FA Cup.
However, it is important to emphasize that the case is now ended and that Grimsby’s advancement to round three appears to have been verified.
An EFL statement stated: “Following a comprehensive review of all the evidence and considering prior decisions taken in respect of offences in the League Cup, the Board determined that the issuing of a fine followed precedent.”
Notably, the FA takes the issue much more seriously than the EFL, which has different regulations on the subject.
At this point, it’s also unclear if United will attempt to challenge the EFL’s ruling or look for more clarification.
After two errors from Andre Onana, Amorim’s team was behind two goals at the half. However, goals from Mbeumo and Harry Maguire tied the score.
The game then went straight to a penalty shootout, where Grimsby advanced to the third round after the former Brentford player thundered his strike off the bar, sending United reeling out.
