Image source: bbc.com
Swindon Town are likely to face an EFL investigation after substitute Aaron Drinan was missing from their official teamsheet during the 2-1 EFL Trophy victory over Luton Town, with manager Ian Holloway expecting disciplinary action following the administrative error that caused an eight-minute delay in play.
Swindon Await EFL Action After Drinan Teamsheet Error in Trophy Victory
Holloway brought on top scorer Drinan as one of three half-time changes during the match, but Ryan Tafazolli had been listed in his place on the bench on the official line-up seen by match officials before kick-off. The 19-goal striker’s presence was not questioned until the 64th minute, leading to an extended stoppage in play before Drinan was allowed to remain on the pitch.
The error occurred with the electronic teamsheet system, with Holloway claiming officials did not ask him to verify the team on screen before kick-off as per usual protocol. “When we used to write the teamsheet down it was never wrong, was it?” Holloway told BBC Radio Wiltshire. “But when they get it on an iPad and it’s not shown to us, how can I say that is my team and I haven’t checked it?”
Holloway described the incident as “a major whoopsie” and offered to substitute Drinan when the error was discovered, but Luton head coach Jack Wilshere suggested the player should remain on the pitch as it was not his fault. “There’ll be some sort of action because something’s gone wrong,” Holloway confirmed, with the BBC approaching the EFL for comment on the matter.
Despite the administrative confusion, Swindon secured their place in the last eight of the competition after coming from behind against their League One opponents. Luton took a seventh-minute lead through Jerry Yates’ penalty before Will Wright equalised 30 minutes later, with Filozofe Mabete completing the turnaround in the 53rd minute to seal the Robins’ progression.
Wilshere confirmed he trusts the EFL will handle the investigation appropriately, stating that “whatever the rules are, the rules are” while criticising the lengthy delay in reaching a decision during the match. The Luton manager told BBC Three Counties Radio that he felt “the decision could have been made quicker” but expects the governing body to “come to the right decision” following their investigation.
