West ham United corner flag, with West Ham and Swindon players scuffling in a circular frame inset
Credit: Swindon Town YouTube
Daniel Lewis
Wed 29 October 2025 11:10, UK
West Ham United are set to be hit by an FA fine after what unfolded in Tuesday’s Vertu Trophy clash with Swindon Town.
West Ham Under-21s beat Swindon 3-2 at County Ground to become the first developmental side to reach the knockout stages of the competition.
Josh Ajala, Josh Landers and George Earthy, who is returning from an injury layoff, all netted as West Ham edged a five-goal affair.
The young Hammers are now into the last 32, having climbed above Reading in the group on goal difference on Tuesday.
While there was plenty to be cheerful about, events at full-time could now land West Ham in trouble with authorities.
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Scuffles break out at full-time in Swindon vs West Ham
West Ham’s focus is on the clash with Newcastle United next weekend, but scenes in the U21s match may need dealing with first.
As the full-time whistle sounded at the County Ground, both sets of players came together and a scuffle ensured.
While it is hard to see exactly what happened in the footage, as seen above, Joel McGregor was issued a second yellow card for his part in the coming together.
Referee Carl Brook also dismissed a member of Swindon’s coaching staff for a clash with a West Ham figure, before seemingly being struck himself.
As a result of the fracas, former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett believes both teams will now face a fine for failing to control their players.
“The referee’s authority does not diminish once he has blown the final whistle to end the game,” Hackett exclusively told West Ham Zone.
“The fact that two red cards were issued, plus subsequent reports of a flare up, will I am sure be reported by the match officials.
“The referee post match submits a detailed on line report to the Football Association. Once this is received, the disciplinary procedure kicks in and the investigation carried out.
“This may involve all four officials appointed to the game being asked for their observations. In addition, they will be requesting copies of footage available to be sent to them.
George Earthy in action for Bristol City
Credit: Imago
“Both clubs are going to find themselves being charged by the FA for failing to control their players.”
West Ham youngster Luis Brown is also among those believed to have been issued a red card.
What did Ian Holloway say about West Ham fracas?
As per the Swindon Advertiser, Town boss Ian Holloway was not pleased with what he saw unfold at full-time.
“I am disappointed with my team for that – and that alone,” he said. “We should be gracious in defeat; we should have shaken their hands and walked off. That is now a problem, and it is how you behave.”
Holloway added that he is unsure what sparked the incident.
Position Team Played Points Goal Difference
1 West Ham 3 6 3
2 Reading 3 6 2
3 Swindon 3 3 0
4 MK Dons 3 0 -5
EFL Trophy Southern Group D
Meanwhile, West Ham’s head of coaching and player development Greg Lincoln was delighted with the spirit showed by his players on the field.
“We spoke before the game about dealing with direct play. We recognised how important it would be, those first contacts and second balls, and trying to manage them the best we could,” he said.
“*Then, I believe, as the game went on, we started to get a bit more control, certainly in the first half. Some really nice passages of play and their press was very, very intense.*“
West Ham are into the knockout stages of the competition for a second time in three seasons.
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