FA investigates betting scandal

FA looks into irregular betting patterns in Blue Square Premier clash

By Richard Bailey   Last updated: 27th April 2009  

FA investigates betting scandal

Blue Square Premier: FA investigate clash

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The Football Association has confirmed it will look into suspicious betting patterns regarding the game between Grays Athletic and Forest Green.

The Blue Square Premier clash ended with Grays coming from behind after trailing at half-time to win 2-1.

Bookmakers William Hill and Blue Square suspected something may be afoot when a large number of bets, including three figure sums, came in for Grays to win after losing at the interval at odds of 22/1.

Both bookmakers suspended betting the day before the game as Grays secured the three points after scoring two goals in 40 seconds in the second period.

An FA spokesman said: "We take all these matters very seriously and we will investigate.

Graham Sharpe, William Hill's spokesman added: "When you have a meaningless end-of-season match you are not expecting to take much money.

Substantial bets

"Then all of a sudden you are being offered a large number of bets for one outcome and some relatively substantial bets.

"The biggest sum placed was a three figure bet so we suspended betting on Saturday afternoon.

"Interestingly, another bookmaker unbeknown to us did the same thing which suggests this is not a freak occurrence.

"If you can see an explanation you adjust the odds but if you can't then you have to pull the plug on the game and report it to the Gambling Commission, which is the action we took."

Grays have also offered their co-operation with the investigation after their statement read: "Grays Athletic Football Club do not condone any form of corruption and there is certainly no room for this in football."