Numerous gambling offenses
The Scottish Football Association (SFA) has charged Andy Bryan, the kit man for Scottish soccer club Greenock Morton FC, with a number gambling offenses. Bryan received a Notice of Complaint after the SFA discovered he had staked money on different soccer matches. The association also has details on wagers he placed on other sports.
Some of the bets under investigation were allegedly on games involving Greenock Morton FC
Bryan faces ten charges from the SFA, with the earliest of these dating back to bets he made in 2012. Some of the bets under investigation were allegedly on games involving Greenock Morton FC, which Bryan has been part of since 1998.
The hearing of the case is set to take place on October 24. The kit man is currently suspended by the club until the issue is resolved.
Official club statement
Greenock Morton FC issued a statement acknowledging that an employee of the club is facing SFA charges relating to gambling on soccer.
The club said it is committed to upholding the integrity of the sport in Scotland, and that all staff is regularly reminded to adhere to governing rules. It highlighted its strict policy on gambling, adding:
We have supported the SFA in ensuring accountability from any individual who breaches these rules.”
According to The Scottish Sun, another person from the club’s backroom staff is also under investigation for suspicious betting activity.
Ongoing issue in sport
Bryan is not the first backroom member of a sports club to be caught up in a gambling probe in the UK. Recent examples include Manchester United legend Paul Scholes and Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) assistant coach Rob Howley. A number of UK players, namely Daniel Sturridge, Joey Barton, and Yerry Mina, have also recently faced FA gambling charges.
The respective sporting bodies have been cracking down hard on any such offenses, as these may affect the integrity of their sport.