Sportsmen who have fallen foul of strict betting regulations

Wally Downes allegedly placed eight bets on football matches between 2013 and 2019.

Published Sep 25, 2019

AFC Wimbledon manager Wally Downes has been suspended from first-team duties following a Football Association misconduct charge related to betting on football matches.

The news comes just eight days after Wales assistant coach Rob Howley was sent home from the Rugby World Cup in Japan for a potential breach of betting rules.

Here, the PA news agency takes a look at other sportsmen who have recently fallen foul of the strict regulations surrounding gambling.

Barton banned

Joey Barton had returned to the Premier League with Burnley before his suspension. — Joey Barton had returned to the Premier League with Burnley before his suspension (Martin Rickett/PA)

Bingham hit in the pocket

Stuart Bingham was found to have placed bets of close to £36,000. — Stuart Bingham was found to have placed bets of close to £36,000 (Dave Howarth/PA)

Teenager Stevens sanctioned

Leeds called the suspension from all football a “disproportionate punishment” (Simon Cooper/PA)

Sturridge’s ‘insider information’

Stephenson pays a heavy price

Australian rules football handed out a 10-match ban to Collingwood star Jaidyn Stephenson and a 20,000 Australian dollar (£11,350) fine for betting on games involving his club. Stephenson had been hit with a sanction of 22 matches, but 12 of those games were suspended. It emerged the Magpies’ player had given money to a friend to place bets for him, and also once used a friend’s betting account. The total amount wagered was 36 AUS Dollars (£20) – all of which were unsuccessful.

Who ate all the pies?

Sutton reserve goalkeeper Wayne Shaw (right) left his role at the club in the wake of the incident. — Sutton reserve goalkeeper Wayne Shaw, right, left his role at the club in the wake of the incident (Andrew Matthews/PA)