English footballer handed seven-game ban for 'highly violent' conduct as FA release statement

Clarke was also handed a £2,750 fine last month for two FA charges of improper conduct and indecent behaviour towards opposing players after maintaining his innocence.

The independent regulatory commission's five-page document was released on Monday, months after the ban was initially imposed in December.

The commission dismissed Clarke's assertion that neither incident was deliberate, finding his explanation unconvincing.

One Cardiff player who reported an incident to the referee after the final whistle was described as "visibly upset" and "very emotional and struggled to speak" when recounting what had occurred.

The panel determined that even if Clarke's actions were considered reckless rather than intentional, this would provide no grounds for reducing the punishment.

The written reasons revealed that the two incidents occurred 37 minutes apart, at the 57th and 94th minutes of the match.

The panel described the second offence as "an extremely serious and unusual incident necessitating a severe sanction" and concluded that such conduct warranted punishment exceeding that typically given for violent conduct.

Swindon Town strongly criticised the ruling when it was announced, maintaining their captain's innocence throughout the process.

The club said: "The decision falls short of the standard of proof beyond reasonable doubt and was instead based on the balance of probabilities.

"As a club captain, Ollie's character and integrity have never been in question, and he continues to have the full support of the club, the management, and his team-mates."

Clarke has made 22 appearances for Swindon this campaign, contributing four goals and one assist across all competitions.

His side currently sits second in League Two behind leaders Bromley.

The written reasons read: "In summary, in respect of Charge One, the Commission considered the actions of the Player to be highly violating and intentional foul play which, even if it was to be viewed as being reckless, would invite no mitigatory relief.

"In respect of Charge Two, the Commission considered the actions of the Player to, again, be highly violating and intentional foul play with the further aggravated factor of the incident occurring 37 minutes after the first incident within the same match."

It added: "The Commission did not accept the Player’s view that neither of the acts were intentional.

"The Commission recognised that there was no plausible explanation to be touching an opponent’s private body parts during a game (especially when the match itself was not in motion).

"In respect of Charge 2, the Commission considers this to be an extremely serious and unusual incident necessitating a severe sanction. However argued, the Player’s of an opponent is a highly invasive/intrusive and violating action.

"As such, the sanction should be in excess of that of violent conduct. The Commission concurred that the indecency of this action requires an immediate sporting sanction of no less than 6 matches and 1 week’s wages."

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