Touchline punishment for manager of Spireites’ final-day opponents
The manager of Chesterfield’s final-day opponents has a touchline ban hanging over him.
Ian Holloway, boss of Swindon Town, has been handed a two-match disqualification and a £1,000 fine by the FA for using "offensive, insulting, or abusive language towards a match official” in their match at Colchester.
Holloway was shown a red card late on in the 3-0 defeat.
The 63-year-old had been allowed on the touchline for the last two matches pending the result of an appeal but that appeal has now failed and he will sit out Swindon’s first League Two play-off match should they get past the Spireites on Saturday.
The punishment usually carries a one-match suspension but because it is his second red card of the season, it is two.
Holloway received help from the League Managers Association over what he perceived to be unfair treatment.
A statement confirmed: "An independent Regulatory Commission has imposed a two-match touchline ban and £1,000 fine on Ian Holloway for misconduct during the EFL League Two fixture between Swindon Town and Colchester United on Friday, April 10.
"It was alleged that the manager used offensive, insulting or abusive language around the 82nd minute, which led to his dismissal, and that he allegedly acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour towards a match official after being sent off.
"Ian Holloway admitted the charges against him, and the Regulatory Commission imposed his sanctions following a hearing."
Swindon need to win at the weekend to finish in the top seven while Chesterfield need only a point.
The match is a near sell-out and the Spireites have been given another 200 tickets.