Grimsby Town have been fined by the EFL for fielding an ineligible player during their Carabao Cup penalty shootout victory over Manchester United last month
Bryan Mbeumo of Manchester United looks dejected after missing
(Image: George Wood, Getty Images)
Grimsby Town have been slapped with a fine for fielding an ineligible player during their stunning Carabao Cup triumph over Manchester United. Ruben Amorim's side crashed out 12-11 on penalties at Blundell Park as Bryan Mbeumo fluffed the crucial spot-kick following a 2-2 stalemate.
United found themselves two goals down at half-time due to a pair of blunders from Andre Onana, before Mbeumo and Harry Maguire netted to equalise. The match then went directly to penalties, where United were ultimately knocked out after Mbeumo blasted his shot off the bar, securing Grimsby's advancement to the third round.
But now the Lincolnshire club have been hit with a penalty after registering Clarke Oduor just one minute beyond the EFL's mandatory deadline. Grimsby subsequently reported the clerical blunder themselves, prompting the EFL board to launch an inquiry.
The EFL have penalised the Mariners and issued a statement confirming their rule violation. But it has led to questions over whether or not Dave Artell's team should be booted from the tournament for the breach - given similar cases in the FA Cup have seen teams expelled from the competition.
For example, Barnsley were ejected from the FA Cup in 2023 following their use of an ineligible player during their first round replay victory against Horsham.
However, the crucial detail is that the matter is now resolved, and Grimsby's progression to the third round appears to have been rubber-stamped.
An EFL statement declared: "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."
It's significant to highlight that the FA and EFL operate under different regulations regarding this issue, with the FA treating the matter with greater severity. It's understood that, at this point, United are not looking to appeal the decision.
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