Rams in betting scandal

Rams in betting scandal

The Rams season has taken a turn for the better in recent weeks on the park but their season was given an unwanted pothole when an MP tabled a question in the House of Commons asking whether a game involving Paul Jewel`s side is at the centre of match-fixing allegations.

The game in questions was the 10-men Rams 2-1 victory at Carrow Road on October 4, and it emerged at the weekend that a Sunday newspaper handed over a document to the FA and the Gambling Commission detailing "extraordinary betting patterns in the Asian market during a recent Championship game."

The Rams haven`t been away from controversy this season, but a Derby County spokesman said they have had no contact from the Football Association about the matter, and Norwich City also said they had not heard from the FA.

The FA and the Gambling Commission have so far refused to reveal which game was involved, but this hasn`t stopped the accusations.
"We will consider any evidence which is brought to our attention. We are committed to thoroughly investigating any allegations of this nature," said a spokesman for the FA.

A spokesman for the Gambling Commission added: "When concerns are raised, we look at them and will consider what action will be necessary, but we cannot comment on individual cases."

Now one MP has tabled a Parliamentary question to ask if the FA had revealed to ministers whether the match involved was the Carrow Road clash on October 4 which Derby won 2-1.

Norman Lamb, a Norwich City supporter and North Norfolk Liberal Democrat MP, has asked Andy Burnham, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport:
"What discussions has he had with the FA on allegations of match-fixing and unusual betting activity in the game?"

Norwich North MP Ian Gibson, a Norwich City season ticket holder, has also tabled a question which reads:
"To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions he has had with the Football Association in respect of recent allegations of match-fixing and unusual betting activity on a Football League Championship match."

The questions were due to be listed in the house today.

A spokesman for the Rams said last night: "We have had no contact from the FA at all on this or any other issue."
Norwich City also said they had not heard from the FA. "We can confirm that we are aware of the speculation but the club has not been contacted by the FA," said a spokesman.

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