Former Forest Green Rovers manager Steve Cotterill has been given a three-match touchline ban and fined £2,250 following an incident after Cheltenham Town’s League Two match against Grimsby Town.
The fixture ended in a 2-2 draw. After the final whistle, Cotterill was involved in what the report describes as a heated post-match pitch fracas. He had also received a red card after the match.
The disciplinary case was considered by an independent Regulatory Commission. Cotterill admitted a charge of acting in an improper manner, resulting in both the touchline suspension and financial penalty.
What the ban means
Cotterill will be unable to take his place on the touchline for three matches. The source does not identify the three fixtures affected, nor does it provide the date or venue of the Cheltenham and Grimsby match.
The sanction relates to Cotterill’s conduct after the final whistle rather than to the 2-2 scoreline itself. The available report does not give further details about the actions that led to the charge, beyond describing the incident as a heated post-match pitch fracas and recording his admission.
Other disciplinary action
Grimsby first-team coach analyst Ray Shearwood was also sanctioned. He received a one-match touchline ban and was fined £450.
Both clubs were fined over the conduct surrounding the end of the game. Cheltenham Town must pay £6,750, while Grimsby were fined £5,500.
The clubs were punished for failing to ensure that their players and technical-area staff behaved appropriately after the final whistle. The ruling specifically refers to a failure to prevent improper or provocative behaviour by players and/or technical-area staff.
Stroud connection
Cotterill is identified in the report as a former Forest Green Rovers boss, linking the disciplinary decision to a manager familiar to supporters in the Stroud area. The source does not state when he held that role.
The sanctions were reported by Stroud Times on September 17, 2026. No further next steps or appeal information is included in the supplied report.