World News
Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka caught in the centre of suspicions of a major betting scandal
Arsenal midfielder, Granit Xhaka’s yellow card in the team’s win at Leeds last season is being investigated by the National Crime Agency amid suspicions of a major betting scandal.
The FA conducted a six-month investigation and have referred the matter to the country’s leading organised crime agency in a development which indicates serious concerns over corruption and possible criminality.
The FA opened their inquiry after being alerted to suspicious betting patterns relating to a yellow card shown to Xhaka towards the end of Arsenal’s 4-1 win at Elland Road on December 18.
Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka
The alarm was raised by an unusually large bet of about £52,000 placed during the match on Xhaka to be booked in the final 10 minutes despite the fact that Arsenal were winning 4-1.
The Switzerland midfielder was booked by referee Andre Marriner for time wasting in the 86th minute as he delayed taking a free-kick. He was a favourite for live sports betting fans.
Video footage of the incident shows Xhaka standing over the ball deep in his own half for around 20 seconds with no apparent desire to take the free-kick before he is booked.
Read Also: Eddie Khae, Mr Drew, Patapaa and TheOnlyRLS Jumps on We Meuve Remix by DJ Paak
According to Mail Online, the suspicious bet was placed on a betting exchange, a website that allows users to place bets but also take them from other users and it was reported shortly afterwards that the gamble earned a pay-out of around £250,000.
The report said Leading bookmakers reported it to the FA due to the large amount of money involved and several industry sources have told Sportsmail that the sum was far in excess of what is usually wagered on yellow cards.
Another bizarre aspect of the incident was that the odds offered on the betting exchange for Xhaka being booked were higher in the final 10 minutes than they had been before kick-off, which also prompted integrity concerns.
The FA have not opened any investigation into Xhaka’s conduct but are understood to have passed on the information they have gathered to the National Crime Agency. The 29-year-old has a poor disciplinary record for Arsenal, being booked 10 times and sent off twice last season. Xhaka has been booked or sent off in more than a quarter of his matches for the club.
World News
Kid Cudi cancels tour after breaking foot at Coachella
Kid Cudi has been forced to cancel his tour after breaking his foot at Coachella over the weekend. During the fest’s Weekend Two on Sunday night, the rapper went to the hospital with a broken foot after jumping off the stage at the Sahara Tent. (more…)
World News
The Un Certain Regard Jury of the 77th Festival de Cannes
The Canadian actor, director, screenwriter and producer Xavier Dolan will be the President of the Un Certain Regard Jury of the 77th Festival de Cannes. He will be joined by French-Senegalese screenwriter and director Maïmouna Doucouré, Moroccan director, screenwriter and producer Asmae El Moudir, German-Luxembourg actress Vicky Krieps, and American film critic, director, and writer Todd McCarthy. They will be in charge of awarding prizes for the Un Certain Regard section, which showcases art and discovery films by young auteurs.
This year, 18 films have been selected, including 8 first films. The 2023 Un Certain Regard top prize went to director Molly Manning Walker’s debut feature How to Have Sex.
When the light breaks by Rúnar Rúnarsson will open the Un Certain Regard section on Wednesday May 15, 2024.
|
|
|
|
|
World News
Kanye West reportedly planning to launch porn studio
World News
Additions to the selection of the 77th Festival de Cannes
|
|
|
|
|
|
World News
Eminem celebrates 16 years of sobriety
World News
Coachella 2024: DJ Snake (Hip Hop Set) and TroyBoi Play Surprise Sets at Do LaB Stage
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Buzz1 week ago
My wife sent her nudes to her Dubai lover while I was on my sick bed – Erico speaks on divorce
- Buzz6 days ago
Afronita’s mum was against me managing Endurance Grand alongside her daughter – Quables
- Buzz16 hours ago
I underestimated the extent of my influence – Serwaa Amihere apologizes
- Buzz1 week ago
Stonebwoy performs ‘Activate’ with Davido at sold-out Madison Square Garden show
- People & Lifestyle4 days ago
REPORT: Dulcie Boateng’s Porials Pitch leads to arrests over ‘unregistered products’
- Buzz1 week ago
Family of accident victims refuses to press charges against Funny Face despite pressure
- Buzz7 days ago
Ghana’s New Train from Poland Crashes During Test Run
- Gossip5 days ago
WATCH: Irene Logan sings ‘At Last’ as she dances with her husband at their wedding reception
- Buzz2 days ago
Kofi Kinaata Credits Samini’s High Grade Family for Musical Breakthrough
- Buzz1 week ago
I was battling Kidney Disease – Erico on Absence from music scene
- Buzz1 week ago
“Life has humbled me so much” – Mercy Johnson
- World News1 day ago
Kanye West reportedly planning to launch porn studio