FA bans four players after betting scandal

The Football Association has banned four players after they were judged to have bet illegally on their own side, Marine FC, losing UniBond Premier Division matches.

Ex-Mariners Paul Woolcott, Adam Farley, Freddie Potter and current player Lee Parle were handed bans totalling 28 months after gambling £1,120 across two games.

The probe from football’s governing body found the men wagered against Marine in the 4-0 defeat at Matlock Town in April and the 2008 Good Friday game at home to Witton Albion – which they lost 1-0.

In a statement reflecting on the decision, Marine FC chairman Paul Leary made clear:
“Marine FC accepts the decisions of the FA hearing into the betting allegations made involving its players at the time.

“However, we are extremely disappointed on behalf of Lee Parle at the severity of the punishment in comparison with the circumstances of Farley and Potter who bet considerable amounts for Matlock Town to beat Marine in a game that they actually played.

“As a football club we have learnt from the events that have taken place concerning this enquiry and I am glad that the process is now completed.”