Will Grimsby vs Man United be replayed? EFL stance clear after statement released following Grimsby fielding ineligible player vs Reds

Will Grimsby vs Man United be replayed? EFL stance clear after statement released following Grimsby fielding ineligible player vs Reds

Grimsby Town have been fined for fielding an ineligible player during their shock second-round win against Manchester United in August
14

Grimsby Town have been fined for fielding an ineligible player in their shock Carabao Cup success against Manchester United.

Ruben Amorim’s side lost 12-11 on penalties at Blundell Park as Bryan Mbeumo missed a decisive spot-kick after a 2-2 draw.

The Lincolnshire-based outfit have been handed a sanction after registering Clarke Oduor just one minute past the EFL’s required deadline.

Grimsby then reported the administrative error and thus the EFL board launched an investigation. The EFL have fined the Mariners and released a statement to confirm their breach of the rules.

Questions have since arisen whether Dave Artell’s side should be thrown out of the competition for breaches, considering cases in the FA Cup have seen teams removed from the competition.

Barnsley were kicked out of the FA Cup back in 2023 after using an ineligible player in their first round replay win against Horsham.

But the key point to stress is that the case is now closed, and Grimsby’s passage to round three now seems to have been confirmed.

An EFL statement read: “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 is worth noting that the FA and the EFL have differing rules on the matter, in which the FA clearly take the matter more seriously.

It is also unknown at this juncture whether United will try and seek further clarity and or appeal the decision made by the EFL.

Amorim’s side trailed by two goals at the interval after two mistakes from Andre Onana, before Mbeumo and Harry Maguire scored to level the game.

The tie then headed straight to a penalty shootout, where United eventually crashed out after the former Brentford man thundered Mbeumo his effort off the bar to ensure Grimsby’s progression into the third round