FA launches investigation into suspicious activity during Oxford’s FA Cup loss

The FA is looking into bets placed during the FA Cup match between Oxford United and Arsenal on Monday, which have been deemed suspicious.

The governing body has ‘a dossier of evidence’ relating to corruption, according to Sportsmail, which includes alleged phone messages before the match kicked off.

The game, held at the Kassam Stadium, saw League One defender Ciaron Brown make challenges on Bukayo Saka and Takehiro Tomiyasu that were ignored before a yellow card then prompted inquiries, allegedly costing one bookmaker £1,600. 

Specifically, allegations revolve around a number of bets being placed in the run up to kick off that the Northern Irish defender would receive a booking.

A statement from Oxford United read: “Oxford United can confirm that they have been made aware of a specific allegation of irregular betting around our Emirates FA Cup game against Arsenal on Monday evening.

“The club will cooperate fully with any investigation and while this is ongoing, we are unable to make any further comment.”

The Mail reported that one message is understood to show a betting slip with around £200 placed on the 24-year-old Northern Ireland player being given a yellow-card at the odds of 8-1.

Additionally, following the booking, spectators have reported seeing and hearing Arsenal fans celebrating, with some claiming that they had won bets on the carding – leading to suspicions of illicit activity.

This shortly follows the news of Premier League footballer Ivan Toney facing further allegations of betting activity in December, as the FA charged him with an additional 30 violations of its wagering rules.

The FA accused Toney of 30 placing bets between 13 March 2017 and 18 February 2019, during which time he was on loan from Newcastle United at three different clubs.