Cup Thai confusion in chaotic draw

TECHNICAL faults and “human error” were blamed for the blunders that turned the EFL’s newly rebranded Carabao Cup draw into a farce yesterday.

Incorrect fixtures featured on an on-screen graphic during the live draw, with Charlton appearing to be playing twice and Football League new boys Forest Green Rovers given the wrong opponents.

As part of the EFL’s new sponsorship deal with Thai drinks company Carabao, the draw took place in Bangkok and was live-streamed across digital platforms.

Charlton, managed by Karl Robinson, were handed an away draw at Exeter, but then also appeared a second time on a fixtures graphic with a home tie against Cheltenham.

Forest Green posted clarification on their Twitter feed that they would take on MK Dons at home, rather than Wolves away as the on-screen display suggested.

“The EFL would like to apologise for a number of third party technical issues that affected coverage of this afternoon’s Carabao Cup round one draw in Bangkok,” a statement read.

“The draw was not compromised in any way and all clubs have received confirmation of their round one ties.” The statement blamed human error for the wrong on-screen information.

Charlton took the draw problems in good humour. The Addicks posted a poll on their official Twitter feed asking fans, “Who would you rather play in the first round of the @Carabao_Cup?”

Sunderland, relegated from the Premier League last season, will travel to Sky Bet League One side Bury, while Aston Villa, knocked out at Luton last year, travel to League Two Colchester. Newly promoted Lincoln go to Rotherham. The matches will be played in the week beginning August 7.