Lincoln City defender Bradley Wood banned for betting on himself

Former Lincoln City FC defender Bradley Wood has been slapped with a six year ban by the Football Association (FA).

The United Kingdom Gambling Commission received information about irregular betting activity on last year’s FA Cup 5th Round match between Burnley and Lincoln City.

The Gambling Commission was notified by a betting company, licensed in the UK, about suspicious betting activity on whether a player would receive a yellow card during the match.

Gambling Commission acting Executive Director Richard Watson said the harsh penalty had come about after a collaboration between the Commission’s Sports Betting Intelligence Unit, the unnamed bookie and the FA.

“Professional footballers, and indeed those in other sports, must pay attention to Bradley Wood’s ban by the FA,” he said.

“This clear breach of FA rules is not acceptable and damages the integrity of sport.

“Through working with gambling firms, sports governing bodies and the public we can work hard to continue to keep crime out of British gambling and sport.” 

The extensive investigation by the Football Association canvassed both statistical data from the bookmakers and evidence from some of Wood’s allies who placed the bets.

Examination of Wood’s conduct also found the two matches he was charged over he had put himself in extraordinary positions to be carded.

Upon further investigation it was found Wood had a close relationship with those placing the wagers.

On top of Wood’s lengthy suspension he was fined £3,725 in total.