Liverpool Broke Same Strict Carabao Cup Rule as Grimsby as Punishment Revealed

Liverpool broke the same strict Carabao Cup rule as Grimsby did as the Mariners punishment is revealed.

Grimsby stunned the football world when they defeated Manchester United 12-11 on penalties in the second round of the Carabao Cup to complete one of English football's greatest upsets. The Red Devils had fought back from two goals down in the second half through Bryan Mbeumo and Harry Maguire.

But they could not find a late winner and the game went to a dramatic penalty shootout at a buoyant Blundell Park. Matheus Cunha missed his chance to seal the win for United, before a sensational run of penalties which saw both goalkeepers convert their spot kicks.

The shootout ended when new signing Mbeumo rattled the crossbar with his second penalty It has now emerged that Grimsby fielded an ineligible player in that historic victory.

They brought on Clarke Oduor as a substitute, who had joined the day before on a loan deal from Bradford City.

Grimsby Town's Clarke Oduor. Image: Shaun Botterill / Staff via Getty

However, he was registered one minute after the 12:00 BST deadline set by the EFL.

The EFL confirmed that Grimsby reported the breach themselves and had not deliberately intended to deceive or mislead.

They have been hit with a £20,000 fine, with £10,000 to be paid now, and another £10,000 suspended until the end of the season.

What punishment did Liverpool face?

Grimsby are not the first time to field an ineligible player in the League Cup.

Back in 2019, Liverpool faced a similar situation when they fielded an ineligible player for their third-round Carabao Cup win over MK Dons.

They brought on midfielder Pedro Chirivella as a substitute, despite the Spaniard not having international clearance to play.

Pedro Chirivella and Jurgen Klopp. Image: BEN STANSALL / Contributor via Getty

The EFL decided it was not appropriate to expel Liverpool from the competition, due to 'mitigating factors'. Instead, Liverpool were hit with a £200,000 fine, half of which was suspended until the end of the following season.

They did not have to pay the remaining £100,000, as they did not commit any further breaches during the 18-month suspension breach. Liverpool went on to win their the fourth round tie, defeating Arsenal on penalties following an enthralling 5-5 draw at Anfield.

Their run ended in the quarter-finals at Villa Park, as Liverpool's youngest-ever starting line-up suffered a 5-0 defeat to Aston Villa.

With Jurgen Klopp's senior players away playing at the Club World Cup, they fell to a heavy defeat in the Midlands.