Football star's £50,000 debt written off for red card.

An unnamed British football player has admitted to purposely getting a red card in order to wipe off a В£50,000 gambling debt.  The footballer, having admitted his gambling addiction to be the driving factor behind this decision, explained that not only did he commit the offence himself, but he also convinced 3 other players to manipulate play so they would get booked. 

Sources have explained that the bookmaker at the core of this deal not only wrote off the footballers debt after the red card was received, but most likely received further gains after placing his own bets on the outcome.  Although the league and the location of the game remain unknown, it is believed that the game must have been one of a high level in order for the bookie to make worthwhile gains.  It is though that the bookmaker profited from the sending-off and bookings by laying “spread bets” relating to the red cards.

The admittance of this match shocker was revealed in the Sporting Chance clinic in Hampshire - an institute set up by the former Arsenal defender Tony Adams having himself struggled to control his alcohol consumption.  The chief executive of the clinic Peter Kay, whilst withholding details about the game or player, has confirmed his knowledge of the event.

Amongst many who wish to keep football a clean and fair game, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has expressed his views that any players found guilty of taking a bribe to influence a game should be banned for life. While the player in question was not directly involved in fixing the outcome of the match, his team was defeated, and the deal is undoubtedly classed as corruption.  The FA has stated that it will be investigating the story but it primarily needs to establish if the game took place within England in order for it to be within their remit.

The FA has described how it already strives to prevent both drug and alcohol issues through seminars and educational schemes but admits that the prevention of gambling is an area that requires further consideration in the future. 

Meanwhile, the now free of debt footballer must be waiting in anticipation while the FA decides on any disciplinary action.