Glasgow: Controversial Rangers midfielder Joey Barton was issued with a formal “notice of complaint” by the Scottish Football Association yesterday after being accused of betting on football matches.
The SFA issued a statement yesterday in which it English footballer Barton placed 44 bets between July 1 and September 15 this year. Barton has until next Wednesday, October 12 to respond, with a principal hearing date set for October 27.
The SFA’s action follows reports in several British media outlets last month that Barton was under investigation for allegedly breaking betting rules.
The Press Association and several newspapers said the SFA were looking into claims Barton bet on Celtic, Rangers’ arch Glasgow rivals, to lose heavily prior to their 7-0 Champions League defeat by Barcelona.
Betting on football matches by players is strictly forbidden by the SFA and Barton, 34, could face a ban if found guilty.