Pamplemousse

Could Middlesbrough appeal if they're not happy with the outcome?

Interesting line in the Swindon decision about how Ian Holloway's comments about the charge were 'unfortunate' but did not influence the committee's decision making. Something for Middlesbrough to take into account and definitely why it is wise for us to stay silent.

This document is the written decision of an independent English Football League disciplinary commission regarding Swindon Town F.C. being punished in the 2025–26 EFL Trophy. What happened Swindon admitted two rule breaches during their Round of 16 match against Luton Town F.C. on 13 January 2026: They brought on Aaron Drinan as a substitute even though he was not named on the official teamsheet. They fielded Oliver Clarke despite him serving a suspension and therefore being ineligible to play. Initially, Swindon disputed the second charge because they believed the suspension did not apply to the EFL Trophy, partly due to information shown on the FA’s online portal. However, after a separate FA ruling confirmed Clarke was ineligible, the club admitted both breaches. Swindon’s argument The club argued: The mistakes were administrative rather than deliberate. They acted in good faith regarding Clarke’s suspension. A financial fine would be a proportionate punishment. EFL’s argument The EFL argued: The integrity and fairness of the competition had been compromised. Swindon gained an unfair sporting advantage by using two players who should not have participated. Expulsion from the competition was the only suitable sanction. Decision and punishment The commission unanimously decided: Swindon would be expelled from the 2025–26 EFL Trophy. The club would receive a £40,000 fine, with £20,000 suspended unless they repeat a similar offence before the end of the 2026–27 season. Why the commission took such a strong stance The ruling repeatedly emphasises: Protecting public confidence in the fairness of the competition. The seriousness of fielding two ineligible players in a knockout match. The fact one of the players was club captain. That responsibility for eligibility and accurate teamsheets ultimately rests with the club, regardless of confusion or administrative error. The commission also said that if there had only been one mistake, a fine alone might have been enough — but the combination of both breaches made expulsion proportionate.

https://images.gc.eflservices.co.uk/f1a33090-1191-11f1-a071-51ac3b681d4e.pdf This is an interesting read of the disciplinary process, that was Swindon getting booted out of the EFL Trophy.

We haven't been charged by the EFL in relation to other clubs, I would assume that would have to take place before the Independent Commission could even look at that, if Boro supposedly have this evidence. They're only looking at this one specific allegation. And if we did, we'd need additional time to respond, which of course would go way beyond the play off final. If other teams have been spied on, why haven't they complained yet? Why have we not been charged by the EFL?

T&Cs of any ticket, it always says the game is subject to change. I think that's what they mean.

Seems fairly standard. Basically nobody knows anything until the Independent Panel meet and obviously there are many different possible scenarios which nobody can predict. Obviously not an ideal situation at all for both teams. Personally they should wait until after the play-off final and any "sporting" sanction can be applied to next season. I do feel sympathy for Hull because none of this is their fault and it's just as disruptive to them, more so given the distance to London.

The other thing to bear in mind is that the kick off time hadn't been announced, which is unusual. That was due to Millwall's potential involvement. So perhaps some further details need to be worked out with stakeholders like local authorities, police etc.

If corporate packages are being sold already then I'm sure the full details will be announced soon.

The worst we will get is a points deduction but even that would be super harsh. A large fine and a goodwill donation to Middlesbrough's community trust by way of apology would be more appropriate. Or we can make them a massive offer for Hayden Hackney in the summer

Good news is that it is forecast to be pissing it down all day up here, so that should put a dampener literally on their planned bus welcome.

I reckon it'll be a hefty fine and a (suspended) points deduction. The EFL will want to make an example out of us and any points deduction, even suspended, would act as a deterrent to others. Anyway let's see how today plays out first. Really hope we win because the meltdown afterwards would be sensational to watch

Boro's story very quickly falling apart. All looking very embarrassing for them. Thought this sort of nonsense is something the Skates would resort to.

The reaction is hilarious. Middlesbrough fans have completely lost their heads over this. Hopefully their players are equally as distracted

I can't believe we'd be so stupid to risk this, but then again it is Sport Republic who have a track record of making idiotic decisions

Mine too. All getting real now

Time to finally get our revenge for that 2-2 comeback draw in 2004, Redknapp's first game.

Middlesbrough are charging their fans the same as us for the home leg, £22, they based it on the average price of a game per season ticket. I suspect if given the choice they'd have charged us more but under EFL rules they can't for the same section of the stadium. The £30 for Boro fans at our place is the same as we're being charged in home sections, so anyone attending both games will pay the same in terms of ticket prices for a main adult ticket. Maybe we could've done what Boro did and set the ticket prices at the average cost of a game in a season ticket... something for the FAB to take up with the club perhaps if they're not focusing on extra perks for those who travel on the official club coaches.

Apart from Leicester away when we were doing shit and there were barely 1000 of us there

Yeah that might be the case, I was surprised to see so few green dots available tbh.

Just got my ticket. There really are not a lot left at all, I'd say 100 maximum.

I assume anyone in the first window tomorrow at 12.30pm is guaranteed a ticket? I'm without internet access until later in the afternoon annoyingly.

Don't, that'll fuel another Portsmyth that they stopped us getting promotion

If we win we take automatic promotion race to the final day, and if you'd have told me that when we got thumped 4-0 at Boro I'd have laughed. 4 teams potentially in the race for 2nd on the final day, great for the neutral.

The only certainty is Trafford will be in the goal for them, the others will have to see. Looking at their forum, they think Semenyo is knackered and is one of those likely to be rested.