We take a look back at some of the past fixtures in football that were replayed in controversial fashion as Manchester United receive their Grimsby Town verdict following a shock Carabao Cup defeat
GRIMSBY, ENGLAND - AUGUST 27: Clarke Oduor of Grimsby Town looks dejected as he misses the team's third penalty in the penalty shoot out during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Grimsby Town and Manchester United at Blundell Park on August 27, 2025 in Grimsby, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Grimsby Town will not have to replay Manchester United after fielding ineligible player Clarke Oduor
(Image: Shaun Botterill, Getty Images)
One of Grimsby Town's most historic nights was thrown into uncertainty after they fielded an ineligible player. The Mariners faced off against Premier League giants Manchester United at home in the Carabao Cup second round last month.
In stunning scenes, Grimsby clinched a 12-11 victory on penalties over Ruben Amorim's Red Devils, having given up a 2-0 lead late in the second half. A pitch invasion and scenes of pure joy followed - but the League Two side later admitted to a key error in fielding Clarke Oduor, a new signing who hadn't been registered in time.
Grimsby reported their own mistake, attributing it to an administrative error. Despite Oduor actually missing his penalty in the shootout, there were calls for the underdogs to be expelled from the tournament, or for a replay to at least take place.
But neither of those will be considered, with the club instead being hit with a £20,000 fine by the EFL. They may count themselves lucky, as we now examine rare instances in the past where matches have been replayed under controversial circumstances.
Charlton Athletic vs Doncaster Rovers
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 24: Water sprays up off the pitch surface as palyers compete for the ball during the Sky Bet Championship match between Charlton Athletic and Doncaster Rovers at The Valley on August 24, 2013 in London, England, (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
Charlton Athletic vs Doncaster Rovers had to be replayed at The Valley due to a waterlogged pitch
In August 2013, Charlton's match with Doncaster at The Valley was abandoned at half-time due to a waterlogged pitch, despite Rovers leading 3-1. The torrential rain made conditions tough from kick-off and referee Lee Collins initially suspended play after 26 minutes.
They resumed play but Collins ruled the conditions too dangerous to continue at half-time, with Doncaster manager Paul Dickov describing how the match was called off as "shambolic."
To add insult to injury, the replay in November was reset with the scores at 0-0 as Charlton secured a 2-0 victory, much to Dickov's frustration as his team dropped to 20th position.
Arsenal vs Sheffield United
In February 1999, Sheffield United faced Arsenal in the FA Cup fifth round at Highbury and, with the match level at 1-1 after Patrick Vieira's strike and Marcelo's equaliser for the Blades, the game descended into mayhem. Sheffield United keeper Alan Kelly booted the ball into touch for a throw-in to allow injured team-mate Lee Morris to receive medical attention.
The visitors expected Arsenal to give them possession back after the restart, which is what Ray Parlour planned to do, but debutant Nwankwo Kanu had different ideas. The Nigerian forward intercepted the return pass to the Blades and teed up Marc Overmars to snatch the lead.
13 Feb 1999: The Sheffield United manager Steve Bruce argues with officials over the disputed Arsenal goal during the FA Cup Round 5 match Arsenal and Sheffield United at Highbury in London, England. Arsenal won the game 2-1. \ Mandatory Credit: Shaun Botterill /Allsport
Steve Bruce complains over Marc Overmars' goal against Sheffield United
It sparked anger among their opposition and manager Steve Bruce, who instructed his players to leave the field in protest. The Gunners saw out a win but the controversy continued in the aftermath as Arsene Wenger offered the Blades a replay, which they agreed to. Arsenal won the repeated fixture courtesy of goals from Overmars and Dennis Bergkamp.
Senegal vs South Africa
On November 10, 2017, Senegal became the third African nation to qualify for the 2018 World Cup by beating South Africa 2-0, eliminating Bafana Bafana. But the match was actually a replay of the original November 2016 encounter that South Africa had won 2-1.
That result was later chalked off by FIFA after Ghana referee Joseph Lamptey was found guilty of manipulating the result. Lamptey had awarded a penalty against Senegal for what he claimed was handball by defender Kalidou Koulibaly, despite replays clearly showing the ball had struck the player's knee.
Referee Joseph Lamptey argues with Senegal players during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifier match between South Africa and Senegal at Peter Mokaba Stadium on November 12, 2016 in Polokwane, South Africa.
Referee Joseph Lamptey was banned for life after his dodgy calls
South Africa scored the penalty and went on to win the qualifier - their only win in the final round of qualifiers at that point. FIFA ruled that Lamptey had violated the rule related to "unlawfully influencing match results."
The governing body also concluded that Lamptey was at fault for South Africa's second goal just two minutes later, stating that the Ghanaian "clearly took two wrong decisions, which led to two goals being scored by South Africa."
They added: "He [took] intentional decisions with the sole purpose of facilitating a minimum number of goals to make certain bets successful." He was banned for life as a result.