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FA investigation into Bury game

Dave Lawrenson
8/ 5/2008

BURY’S 2-0 away win against Accrington Stanley on Saturday is set to be investigated by the FA following allegations of unusual betting on the game.

Some bookies stopped taking bets on the League Two match after a large number of wagers, believed to include a massive one of £60,000, were placed on a Bury win.

Accrington’s chief executive Rob Heys has spoken out to rubbish rumours of some Stanley players being on a stag party the night before the game.

And Bury have released the following statement: "It is probable that the FA will launch their own investigation into the reported ‘unusual betting activity’ that took place before the game against Accrington Stanley. If this is the case then Bury Football Club will fully cooperate with any investigation.

"The club will not make any further comments until any investigation is concluded."

The fact that people were betting on a Bury win was by no means unusual.

The Shakers came into the game on the back of an impressive run of form and results.

And Accrington, who have finished the 2007/08 campaign nine points and four places behind Bury in the League Two table, have the worst home record in the Football League this season after losing 15 of their 23 league matches at the Fraser Eagle Stadium.

But it is the amount of bets and the sums involved that raised bookmakers’ eyebrows, far outweighing the amount of money that is normally wagered on a Shakers game.

FA director of communications Adrian Bevington said: "We will look very closely at the information the bookmakers provide.

"We’ll take any subsequent action with the Football League and the two clubs."

Rob Heys, Accrington chief executive, said: "We will speak to the relevant bodies at the FA and we will cooperate fully with any investigation, should one take place.

"If there is any evidence of any wrongdoing, the people involved will be severely dealt with."