Grimsby have been punished for fielding an ineligible player against Manchester United, with some fans calling for a Carabao Cup "rematch".
League Two outfit stunned Premier League giantsPrevailed in an epic penalty shootoutRevealed that one player was not registered in timeFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The Red Devils suffered a humbling penalty shootout defeat at the hands of League Two opposition. An epic battle of nerves from 12 yards, following an eventful 2-2 draw, saw the hosts prevail 12-11 on spot-kicks.
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The Mariners are readying themselves for a third-round clash with troubled Championship outfit Sheffield Wednesday, with there no suggestion that a registration mishap will see their historic victory over United overturned.
WHAT THE EFL SAID
A statement from the EFL regarding a paperwork issue, which has landed Grimsby a fine, reads: “The EFL Board, acting as the Management Committee of the Carabao Cup, has today fined Grimsby Town Football Club ÂŁ20,000 – of which ÂŁ10,000 will be suspended until the end of Season 2025/26 – for having breached the Rules of the competition.
“The breach relates to the Club fielding an ineligible player against Manchester United in a Round Two tie on 27 August 2025.  Grimsby Town progressed to Round Three following a 12-11 penalty shoot-out win at Blundell Park.
“The circumstances leading to this transgression are that Grimsby Town submitted the registration of Clarke Oduor at 12:01 pm on the day before the fixture i.e. shortly after the 12:00 pm deadline required in accordance with the 2025/26 competition rules. The Club self-reported the breach upon discovery the day after the fixture had been completed.
“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.
“The Board further noted the Club’s non-compliance was not deliberate with no intention to deceive or mislead. The Club has since implemented several actions to prevent a similar occurrence in the future.
“The Club will be liable for the suspended sum of £10,000, if they were to again field an ineligible player in any League Competition between now and the end of Season 2025/26.”
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While the EFL considers a fine to be suitable punishment for a one-minute faux pas, United fans have been quick to call for a replay. @iambenzene_ said “let's have a rematch” while @ANDYDB7 added: “Grimsby fielded an ineligible player @ManUtd. Surely grounds for disqualification?”
@Umair_Utd branded the Mariners “CHEATERSSSS” but @TheDesiChandler was more considered in his response when saying: “As much as I want them to be disqualified, but we should have easily won that match. So let’s move on.”